A Study On Aristotle’s Potentiality-Actuality

Potentiality-actuality is an important part in Aristotle’s substance theory.It links matter-form theory and “pure form” theory and combines static matter-form theory and dynamic potentiality-actuality theory,so as to realize transformation between matter and form:matter enters into form in movement and finally exists in a newly-born actuality.The potentiality-actuality theory and matter-form theory combine together into a double-level mode of matter-substance mode and potentiality-movement mode.The double-level mode of potentiality-actuality theory is closely linked with its three levels.However,in systematic analysis of potentiality-actuality,there is still boundary problem in terms of potentiality and actuality,as well as difficulties in development route of matter and form.Therefore,there must be an analysis on construction of potentiality-actuality.By analyzing four rounds of potentiality-actuality construction,there will be a spinning-top-like construction.Potentiality-actuality directly links to “pure form” and only when the serious original aim is within the natural objects,then the theory can be realized.“Pure form” has meanings as an individual and a kind and the second one can only exist in abstract logic,instead of the actual experience world,while the first one can appear in the experience world.“Pure form” is“purity in terms of form”,but does not have to separate with matter.Therefore,an individual natural object can become “pure form” under the circumstance of “complete movement”.However,“pure form” is different from the final substance.Affiliation to the final substance and “God” is an important aspect for “pure form” of potentiality-actuality.