Hylomorphism

by William M.R. Simpson

This Element introduces Aristotle's doctrine of hylomorphism, which provides an account of substances in terms of their 'matter' and 'form', adapting and applying it to the interface between physics and biology. It begins by indicating some reasons for the current revival of hylomorphism and by suggesting a way of classifying the confusing array of hylomorphisms that have arisen. It argues that, in order for composite entities to have irreducible causal powers which make a difference to how nature unfolds, they must have substantial forms which transform their matter such that the powers of their physical parts are grounded in the composite entity as a whole. It suggests how a contemporary form of hylomorphism might contribute to the philosophy of biology by grounding the non-intentional form of teleology that features in the identity conditions of biological systems, affirming a real distinction between living organisms and heaps of matter. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

82 pages, Paperback

Published July 20, 2023

Reviews

[Cormac Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simpson provides a well organized introduction to Aristotle's doctrine of matter and form. A brief historical outline is followed by comparisons of current varieties of hylomorphism, among which is his preferred "staunch hylomorphism" proposed by Rob Koons. He helpfully sorts these theories into transformative/structural (according to the level of metaphysical dependency between a whole and its parts) and constitutive/conceptual (how they conceive of form). As he is a quantum physicist, Simpson's discussion on the priority of wholes was especially lucid, where he uses Kim's "causal exclusion problem" to motivate an emergentist top-down solution to the famous measurement problem (thus confirming "transformative hylomorphism"). This solution, the CWC (contextual wave function collapse) theory, is one he is currently elaborating on with George Ellis, and I am excited to see where it goes in the future. In the last section it is argued that only hylomorphic theories that admit of the real ontological existence of matter and form (rather than treating them as mere concepts) can provide the background for a teleologically-oriented biology.

This is a helpful, if a bit rushed, introduction to the contemporary debates surrounding hylomorphism. While it does an admirable job situating hylomorphism within analytic philosophy, I could have used more historical background.

[Joseph Yue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant - Simpson condenses the past 10 years of research in hylomorphism & natural sciences and makes it intelligible. A philosopher is truly imbibed with beaming joy and serene peace when nature is well cut by its joints, as Neo-Aristotelianism so successfully does in almost all metaphysical aspects.