what are the four causes of intellectual knowing based on the book 3 chapter 4 of aristotle.?

Question

i am referring to the the book "de anima". i really need the very exact answer. thanks

Answer 1

Aristotle's 'four causes' (four aspects of or sorts of explanation), with reference to, for example, a knife:

1. Material cause - the metal from which the knife is made.

2. Final cause - the purpose or function for which the knife is made: - to grip in the hand and cut or stab (now called teleological cause).

3. Formal cause - the shape of the knife: flat, narrow blade, sharp edges, with a rounded handle. (2 and 3 together imply the maxim "form follows function").

4. Efficient cause - the actions of the knife-maker in making the knife (now called cause and effect).