Aristotle :: Soul as form

15.04.2025 · AE550415

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)

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Hierarchical model of the soul

11.05.2025 · AE550511

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)