Natural motion

Definition

Natural motion refers to the inherent tendency of objects to move in specific ways, based on their nature and the environment they exist in. This concept highlights that certain movements are not caused by external forces but are instead a result of an object's intrinsic properties, aligning with Aristotle's understanding of physics and the natural world, the theory of motion and change, and his cosmology and astronomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural motion includes the tendency of heavy objects to move downwards towards the earth and lighter objects, like fire, to move upwards.
2. Aristotle believed that all natural motions are purposeful and directed towards achieving an end goal or final cause, which is intrinsic to the object's nature.
3. The concept of natural motion plays a crucial role in Aristotle's physics, where he categorizes different types of motions and their causes.
4. Aristotle's view of natural motion was foundational for his cosmology, where he explained celestial bodies moving in perfect circles as part of their natural behavior.
5. Natural motion contrasts with violent motion, which arises from external influences and does not reflect the intrinsic tendencies of objects.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle differentiate between natural motion and violent motion?
  • Aristotle distinguishes natural motion as the inherent movement that occurs naturally according to an object's characteristics, such as a stone falling or smoke rising. In contrast, violent motion is initiated by external forces acting upon an object, like pushing a cart. This distinction helps clarify how different types of movement can be understood within his broader framework of physics.
• In what way does natural motion relate to Aristotle's concept of elements and their behavior?
  • Natural motion is closely linked to Aristotle's elements—earth, water, air, and fire—each exhibiting unique motions based on their natures. For instance, earth moves downward naturally while fire ascends. This relationship demonstrates how Aristotle saw the universe as composed of these elements behaving according to their innate tendencies, further reinforcing his ideas about the natural world.
• Critically analyze how Aristotle's conception of natural motion contributed to his views on cosmology and the structure of the universe.
  • Aristotle's conception of natural motion greatly influenced his cosmological views by suggesting that celestial bodies moved in perfect circles as part of their inherent nature. This notion underscored a geocentric model where Earth was at the center, and everything else revolved around it due to their natural inclinations. By positing that these heavenly movements were natural rather than random or chaotic, Aristotle established a structured view of the universe that intertwined physics with metaphysics, impacting scientific thought for centuries.

Related terms

violent motion: Violent motion is the movement of objects caused by external forces acting upon them, contrasting with natural motion that arises from the object's own nature.

elements: In Aristotle's framework, elements refer to the fundamental components of nature, such as earth, water, air, and fire, each with its own natural motion and tendency.

substance: Substance is a key philosophical concept for Aristotle that pertains to what something is fundamentally; it influences how that object behaves and moves naturally.