Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

The Society for Ancient Greek Philosophy Newsletter

2011

Rain

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity

Climate And Teleology In Aristotle's Physics Ii.8, Yancy Hughes Dominick Apr 2011

Climate And Teleology In Aristotle's Physics Ii.8, Yancy Hughes Dominick

The Society for Ancient Greek Philosophy Newsletter

Weather, including rain, happens as a result of natural and teleological processes, but that is compatible with the claim that rain falls not for the sake of something, but of necessity, and any benefit from the rain comes by chance. Aristotle need not embrace the conclusion, therefore, that it rains for the sake of the crops. Climate, on the other hand, is regular and beneficial. If the disjunct from Physics II.8 holds, climate ought to be for the sake of something even while rain is not.