In his work “Metaphysics,” Aristotle presents the concept of the prime mover. Philosophers have also called it the unmoved mover, the prime cause, the prime mover, or the first cause. All those terms have the same meaning, namely, the idea that there is a single entity responsible for everything that happens. Aristotle (384-322 BC) was not the first philosopher to put forward the theory of a single force driving the cosmos, but he kept the inventor’s glory because he wrote down his thoughts about the matter. In “Metaphysics,” Aristotle argued that there must be some unchanging, eternal source driving all changes we perceive day in and day out. Aristotle viewed the prime mover as a hypothesis or working concept to be explored. He found the idea interesting to play with, but never claimed that it was a proven fact. The prime mover, theorised Aristotle, should consist of pure actuality that is devoid of potentiality. This means it is already perfect and complete in its present shape (“actuality”) and that has no unrealised goals or desires (“potentiality”). Aristotle speculated further that, if the prime mover remains at the origin of all events, it should consist of an intangible and immutable force. According to this theory, the prime mover is going to set events in motion and drive them towards a goal or purpose (“final cause”). Despite my admiration for Aristotle, I must say that his idea of the prime mover does not make any sense, nor has any basis in observable reality. It’s unfortunate that Aristotle devoted two chapters of “Metaphysics” to elaborate on this concept because it has wasted the time of later philosophers. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-theory-of-the-prime-mover/

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