Being as Activity

Abstract

In a lengthy and important article, M. F. Burnyeat has argued that the passage found at Metaphysics 1048b18-36, in which Aristotle distinguishes sharply between kinēsis and energeia, though written by Aristotle, does not belong in its current context in Book Theta. The present paper aims to show that the philological, philosophical, and historical arguments adduced in favor of this thesis do not stand up to scrutiny. More positively, the paper aims to establish the indispensable role the passage plays within Book Theta in making the connection between energeia and being a telos, as well as the indispensable role it plays within the Metaphysics as a whole, by developing a conception of being as a complete activity that makes possible the characterization of the highest being as an unmoved mover.