Entelechy

From AnthroWiki

Entelechy (Greekἐντελέχεια entelecheia) is understood in philosophy as something that has its goal (telos) in itself. The term was introduced by Aristotle in Metaphysics IX, 8 (see also actuality and potentiality). The term entelechy is composed of three components (en-tel-echeia): en (in), tel from telos (goal), echeia from echein (to have/hold). It denotes the ideal form that is realised in the substance, especially in the sense of a force inherent in the organism that brings it to self-realisation.[1] The concept of entelechy appears everywhere where teleological thinking prevails, for example in Thomas Aquinas, in Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's Monadology, in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and in vitalism, especially in Hans Driesch.[2]

Literature

References to the work of Rudolf Steiner follow Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works (CW or GA), Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach/Switzerland, unless otherwise stated.
Email: verlag@steinerverlag.com URL: www.steinerverlag.com.
Index to the Complete Works of Rudolf Steiner - Aelzina Books
A complete list by Volume Number and a full list of known English translations you may also find at Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works
Rudolf Steiner Archive - The largest online collection of Rudolf Steiner's books, lectures and articles in English.
Rudolf Steiner Audio - Recorded and Read by Dale Brunsvold
steinerbooks.org - Anthroposophic Press Inc. (USA)
Rudolf Steiner Handbook - Christian Karl's proven standard work for orientation in Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works for free download as PDF.

References

  1. Micha H. Werner: Einführung in die Ethik. 1 Auflage. J.B. Metzler, ISBN 978-3-476-05293-3, p. 29.
  2. Entelechie. In: Friedrich Kirchner, Carl Michaëlis (Begründer): Wörterbuch der philosophischen Begriffe (= Philosophische Bibliothek. Bd. 500). Fortgesetzt von Johannes Hoffmeister. Vollständig neu herausgegeben von Arnim Regenbogen und Uwe Meyer. Meiner, Hamburg 2005, ISBN 3-7873-1325-7.