final cause

noun

, Aristotelianism.

1. cause8b

final cause

noun

1. See cause
   philosophy the end or purpose of a thing or process, as opposed to its efficient cause See cause

Word History and Origins

Origin of final cause¹

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Resentment, for example, is an implanted instinct, of which the 'final cause' is to defend us against 'sudden violence.'

From Project Gutenberg

The second head to which the passions are referred with relation to their final cause, is society.

From Project Gutenberg

The division of four causes also is not amiss: matter, form, the efficient, and end or final cause.

From Project Gutenberg

The final cause of creation must be God, just as necessarily as its first cause must be God.

From Project Gutenberg

In it the creation returns to God as final cause, from whom it proceeds as first cause, in a mode which is metaphysically final.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• purpose