Energeiaetentelekheiachez Théophraste

Abstract

This study explores Theophrastus’ uses of two Aristotelian key concepts, energeia and entelekheia. Texts from the De causis plantarum come first into discussion. There, Theophrastus gives a kinetic meaning to energeia and reduces its teleological engagement, as it can be shown also through a close reading of the fr. 176 FHS&G. Then, in the physical fragments (fr. 152 FHS&G) and in Theophrastus’ Metaphysics, we focus on the relationship between energeia and change. The connection between the “Passage” (to use Burnyeat’s word) and Theophrastus’ Metaphysics is object to some scrutiny. It appears that these texts reveal Theophrastus’ own difficulties to choose between two alternative conceptions of energeia: the analogical unity used by Aristotle in Metaphysics IX 6 and the opposition between energeia and change. To a large extend, Theophrastus’ aporiai on this subject express the Aristotelian heritage.