Entelechy

ENTELECHY. - From ἐντελές, "perfect, complete, finished": ἐν "in," "τῶος" "end," ἔχει "I have." A central concept in Aristotle, in which it means the final perfection of being. While act, from which it is not always clearly distinguished, denotes perfection simply, e. denotes the final actualization of perfection, adding the concept of realized dynamism. As the antithesis of potency, which is imperfection, passivity, it expresses the final realization of potentiality. In this it approaches form, without being identified with it.

In intimate connection with Aristotelian finalism, it surpasses Democritean mechanism, in the final unity that gives value to the harmonious and unitary process of a finalistic character, intrinsic and essential, of every becoming entity. In psychology, e. marks the conclusive stage of Aristotle's evolution, which he reached from the original Platonic dualism, through the intermediate stage of "endelecheia" (continuity if moving). Leibniz (v.) attributed it to his monads, on account of their intrinsic finalistic development, understanding it as the dynamic activity of the monad itself. H. Driesch reduced it to the individual organic vital principle; in this meaning it was understood and used by vitalism.

Giacomo Soleri