Aristotle's Four Causes

By Matt Baker   Updated 8 Jan 2013

Aristotle's four causes can be used to explain why something is the way it is and/or why it changed to become that way.

The Material Cause The material out of which the thing exists e.g. - A table's material cause is wood.	The Formal Cause The form in which the thing is arranged e.g. - A table's formal cause is the idea of an elevated flat surface.
The Efficient Cause The 'mover' that causes the thing to be or happen e.g. - A table's efficient cause is the carpenter that made it.	The Final Cause The purpose for which the thing exists e.g. - A table's final cause is to be used to place food or other things on

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