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Jasmine Fellows
17/08/2025
Religious Studies
Aristotle summary notes for Alevel
208
•
17 Aug 2025
•
Jasmine Fellows
@jasminefellows_slen
Aristotle, a student of Plato, developed influential philosophical concepts including... Show more
Aristotle's concept of the Prime Mover attempts to explain the origin of motion in the universe. He argued that everything is in a state of motion and is drawn towards God's perfection. The Prime Mover, according to Aristotle, is:
• Necessary • Pure actuality • The final (not efficient) cause of everything • Unaware of our world • Thinking only of its own perfectness to avoid change
Definition: The Prime Mover, in Aristotelian philosophy, is the ultimate cause of all motion in the universe, itself unmoved and eternal.
Criticisms of the Prime Mover concept: • It's not empirically verifiable • It can't be perfect if it lacks omniscience or the ability to remain unchanged • The universe might not need a cause
Quote: Bertrand Russell challenged this concept, stating, "I see no reason whatsoever to suppose that the total has any cause whatsoever."
Comparison with Plato's Form of the Good: • Both concepts influenced Christianity • Both explain why things exist • Both have necessary existence • Neither take interest in human affairs • The Form of the Good is not a being and has no mind, while the Prime Mover is conceived as more entity-like
Highlight: Understanding the similarities and differences between Plato's Form of the Good and Aristotle's Prime Mover is crucial for A level Philosophy revision, particularly when studying Ancient philosophical influences OCR materials.
Aristotle's empiricism stands in contrast to the rationalism of philosophers like Plato. The key differences are:
• Empiricism relies on sensory experiences to provide information • Rationalism argues that senses can mislead and that pure reason is a more reliable source of knowledge
Quote: David Hume, a later empiricist philosopher, famously said, "A wise man proportions his belief according to the evidence."
Aristotle's legacy in philosophy and science:
• His emphasis on observation and evidence laid the groundwork for the scientific method • His ideas on causation and the nature of existence continue to influence modern philosophy • His works are still studied in Philosophy and Ethics A Level courses, particularly in sections covering Ancient philosophical influences OCR
Highlight: Understanding the debate between empiricism and rationalism is essential for students preparing for Philosophy and ethics A Level specification exams and tackling Ancient philosophical influences exam questions.
Aristotle's ideas, while ancient, continue to be relevant in modern philosophical discussions and remain a crucial part of A level Philosophy revision materials. His concepts of the Four Causes and the Prime Mover provide a foundation for understanding causality and the nature of existence, topics that are still debated in contemporary philosophy.
Aristotle, a student of Plato, took an empirical approach to philosophy, focusing on observation and evidence. This contrasted with Plato's more rationalist methods. Aristotle developed the concept of the Four Causes to explain why things exist and how they come to be.
The Four Causes are:
Definition: Empiricism is the philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of sensory experience and evidence in the formation of ideas, rather than innate concepts or traditions.
Strengths of Aristotle's Four Causes: • The theory aligns well with scientific discoveries, particularly regarding the first three causes. • It is based on observable evidence, which many people find convincing.
Criticisms of the Four Causes: • The form or purpose of an object can change (e.g., a table being used as a chair). • Emotions don't have a clear material cause, and their efficient causes are often debated.
Highlight: Aristotle's empirical approach and his theory of the Four Causes have been influential in the development of Philosophy and Ethics A Level curricula, often appearing in Ancient philosophical influences exam questions.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Jasmine Fellows
@jasminefellows_slen
Aristotle, a student of Plato, developed influential philosophical concepts including the Four Causes and the Prime Mover. His empirical approach contrasts with Plato's rationalism, emphasizing observation and evidence. Aristotle's ideas on causation, motion, and the nature of existence have had... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Aristotle's concept of the Prime Mover attempts to explain the origin of motion in the universe. He argued that everything is in a state of motion and is drawn towards God's perfection. The Prime Mover, according to Aristotle, is:
• Necessary • Pure actuality • The final (not efficient) cause of everything • Unaware of our world • Thinking only of its own perfectness to avoid change
Definition: The Prime Mover, in Aristotelian philosophy, is the ultimate cause of all motion in the universe, itself unmoved and eternal.
Criticisms of the Prime Mover concept: • It's not empirically verifiable • It can't be perfect if it lacks omniscience or the ability to remain unchanged • The universe might not need a cause
Quote: Bertrand Russell challenged this concept, stating, "I see no reason whatsoever to suppose that the total has any cause whatsoever."
Comparison with Plato's Form of the Good: • Both concepts influenced Christianity • Both explain why things exist • Both have necessary existence • Neither take interest in human affairs • The Form of the Good is not a being and has no mind, while the Prime Mover is conceived as more entity-like
Highlight: Understanding the similarities and differences between Plato's Form of the Good and Aristotle's Prime Mover is crucial for A level Philosophy revision, particularly when studying Ancient philosophical influences OCR materials.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Aristotle's empiricism stands in contrast to the rationalism of philosophers like Plato. The key differences are:
• Empiricism relies on sensory experiences to provide information • Rationalism argues that senses can mislead and that pure reason is a more reliable source of knowledge
Quote: David Hume, a later empiricist philosopher, famously said, "A wise man proportions his belief according to the evidence."
Aristotle's legacy in philosophy and science:
• His emphasis on observation and evidence laid the groundwork for the scientific method • His ideas on causation and the nature of existence continue to influence modern philosophy • His works are still studied in Philosophy and Ethics A Level courses, particularly in sections covering Ancient philosophical influences OCR
Highlight: Understanding the debate between empiricism and rationalism is essential for students preparing for Philosophy and ethics A Level specification exams and tackling Ancient philosophical influences exam questions.
Aristotle's ideas, while ancient, continue to be relevant in modern philosophical discussions and remain a crucial part of A level Philosophy revision materials. His concepts of the Four Causes and the Prime Mover provide a foundation for understanding causality and the nature of existence, topics that are still debated in contemporary philosophy.
Aristotle, a student of Plato, took an empirical approach to philosophy, focusing on observation and evidence. This contrasted with Plato's more rationalist methods. Aristotle developed the concept of the Four Causes to explain why things exist and how they come to be.
The Four Causes are:
Definition: Empiricism is the philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of sensory experience and evidence in the formation of ideas, rather than innate concepts or traditions.
Strengths of Aristotle's Four Causes: • The theory aligns well with scientific discoveries, particularly regarding the first three causes. • It is based on observable evidence, which many people find convincing.
Criticisms of the Four Causes: • The form or purpose of an object can change (e.g., a table being used as a chair). • Emotions don't have a clear material cause, and their efficient causes are often debated.
Highlight: Aristotle's empirical approach and his theory of the Four Causes have been influential in the development of Philosophy and Ethics A Level curricula, often appearing in Ancient philosophical influences exam questions.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
