Peter Auriol on the Metaphysics of Efficient Causation

Abstract

Abstract According to Peter Auriol, ofm (d. 1322), efficient causation is a composite being (ens per accidens) consisting of items belonging to three distinct categories: a change (or, more generally, a produced form), an action, and a passion. The change (or produced form) functions as the subject bearing action and passion. After presenting Aristotle’s account of action and passion, which constitutes the background to Auriol’s theory of causation, this paper considers Auriol’s interpretation of Aristotle’s account in contrast to an alternative interpretation defended by Hervaeus Natalis and William of Ockham. Finally, it shows how Auriol, on the basis of his interpretation of Aristotle, develops his own account of efficient causation as a composite being.