ENTELECHY (ARISTOTLE)

Entelechy is a philosophical term introduced by Aristotle to describe the complete realization of a being’s innate purpose. The term comes from the words ἐν (in), τελος (end) and ἔχειν (to have), stating that every being carries within itself its ultimate purpose.

Definition and Philosophical Context

In Aristotelian philosophy, entelechy refers to the state in which a being has reached the full fulfillment of its nature. It is the transition from potentiality (ἐν δύναμει) to actuality (ἐν ἐνεργείᾳ), that is, the realization of a being’s innate potentialities. For example, a seed has the entelechy to become a tree; when this happens, it has achieved its purpose.

The concept of entelechy has influenced modern psychological theories, such as Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization. Just as entelechy describes the full realization of a being’s purpose, self-actualization refers to the achievement of an individual’s full potential.

The end, the completion, the perfection of every being is the fundamental principle of Aristotelian philosophy.

Perfect is that which lacks nothing, the complete, which makes the further search for another purpose or another state unnecessary. Therefore, according to Aristotle’s philosophical thought, all human actions constitute a set of ends, which aim at a higher end which is the “excellence” and is identified with bliss. Bliss is associated with happiness. This principle, according to which the act has been fulfilled, is called by the philosopher Entelechy. Every being, according to Aristotle, reaches the perfection required by its nature and then from “potential being” it becomes “active being”.

ΠΗΓΗ : wikipedia.org
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