Prime mover

Definition

The prime mover is the initial cause or first source of motion in the universe, often associated with Aristotle's philosophy and later adopted by Thomas Aquinas in his formulation of the cosmological argument. It represents a necessary being that exists outside of the chain of causation, posited to explain the existence of everything else. This concept plays a crucial role in arguments about the existence of God, as it suggests that there must be an uncaused cause that initiated all other causes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the prime mover is foundational to the cosmological argument, asserting that everything that exists has a cause, leading to the necessity of an original cause.
2. Aristotle described the prime mover as a perfect, immutable entity that is entirely self-sufficient and does not require anything else for its existence.
3. Aquinas incorporated the idea of the prime mover into his Five Ways, specifically using it to demonstrate the existence of God as the ultimate source of all causation.
4. The prime mover is often contrasted with contingent beings, which are dependent on external factors for their existence, highlighting the need for a necessary being.
5. In contemporary discussions, the prime mover is still referenced in debates about cosmology and metaphysics, especially concerning the origins of the universe.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the prime mover relate to Aristotle's understanding of motion and causation?
  • Aristotle's notion of the prime mover is deeply connected to his understanding of motion and causation. He argued that every motion requires a cause, leading him to conclude that there must be an ultimate source of all motion—the prime mover. This being initiates motion without itself being moved, establishing a foundational principle for explaining how change occurs in the universe.
• In what ways does Aquinas utilize the concept of the prime mover to support his arguments for God's existence?
  • Aquinas utilizes the concept of the prime mover in his Five Ways to argue for God's existence by positing that since everything in the universe is contingent and has a cause, there must be an uncaused cause that initiated everything—this uncaused cause is identified as God. By establishing God as the necessary being and prime mover, Aquinas provides a logical foundation for belief in a higher power based on observable causation.
• Critically evaluate how modern interpretations of cosmology interact with the idea of a prime mover and its implications for metaphysical discussions.
  • Modern interpretations of cosmology often challenge traditional notions of a prime mover by exploring concepts like quantum mechanics and the possibility of a self-creating universe. This raises significant questions about causation and whether something can emerge from 'nothing'. As scientists delve into origins beyond classical physics, metaphysical discussions are evolving, prompting philosophers to reconsider or reaffirm their positions regarding necessity, causality, and the implications of a prime mover in light of contemporary scientific theories.

Related terms

causation: The relationship between cause and effect, where one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect).

necessary being: A being whose existence is essential and must exist, as opposed to contingent beings that rely on something else for their existence.

unmoved mover: A term used in philosophy, particularly by Aristotle, to refer to something that initiates motion or change without itself being moved or changed by any prior action.