摘要
In Physics B 1, Aristotle establishes a detailed definition ofphysis. For that purpose, Aristotle distinguishes physis from rechne and his domain. He did this to offer a satisfactory account of the physical being. In this process, phf;sis is defined as an immanent principle of movement and as matter and as form. As matter physis could be understood as ＂the primary underlying matter in each case, of things which have in themselves a source of their movements and changes＂. To consider physis as form Aristotle appeals to four arguments where priority of form over matter appears to be evident and where the identifying of eidos/morphe with to telos/to hou heneka will be crucial, especially for later developments. The reconstruction of Aristotle＇s reasoning on his definition ofphysis in Physics B 1 emphasizing the problems that such effort of definition implies is the purpose of this paper.
