Aristotle’s theory of soul is grounded in hylomorphism, the idea that all living beings are composites of matter (hyle) and form (morphe).

• The body is the matter, the potentiality.

• The soul is the form, the actuality of a living body.

• The soul is not a separate substance, but the essence that gives life and organization to the body.

The soul is the actuality of a body that has life potentially.” (De Anima, II.1)

Nutritive Soul (Vegetative Soul):: Found in plants :: Nutrition / Growth / Reproduction :: most basic type of soul

Found in animals. :: Includes all the capabilities of the nutritive soul, plus: Sensation (sight, hearing, etc.) / Appetite and desire / Locomotion (movement)

Rational Soul :: Unique to humans, able to universals and is capable of theoretical knowledge. Includes both the nutritive and sensitive capacities, and Reason (logos) / Abstract thinking / Deliberation and choice

+ intellect (NOUS) composed of passive intellect (NOUS PATHETIKOS) and active intellect (NOUS POIETIKOS)