Telos, function and proper use of things produced by techne on Aristotle
Keywords:
telos, function, use, techne, four causesAbstract
Aristotle uses the concept of telos in passages from the Physics, Metaphysics, Eudemian Ethics, and Politics as a relevant causal property of existing things that is integral to his theory of causality. He posits that everything produced by techne (τέχνη) possesses a telos (τέλος), a function (ἔργον), and a use (χρῆσις). The philosopher argues that there is only one proper use, which is determined by the telos. For him, the telos is not only the primary cause of the existence of the products of techne but also what defines their function and, consequently, their appropriate use. This article reconstructs Aristotle's arguments for defending this conceptual distinction and shows how the telos of an artificial product grounds its functionality and separates its intended use from any accidental use.
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