Kitap 12
2
Hence as time is continuous, so too is motion; for time is either identical with motion or an affection of it.Cf. Aristot. Met. 11.12.1 n. But there is no continuous motion except that which is spatial, of spatial motion only that which is circular.These statements are proved inAristot. Physics 8.8, 9.
2
But even if we are to suppose that there is something which is kinetic and productive although it does not actually move or produce, there will not necessarily be motion; for that which has a potentiality may not actualize it.
3
Thus it will not help matters if we posit eternal substances, as do the exponents of the Forms, unless there is in them some principle which can cause change.As there is not, according to Aristotle; cf. Aristot. Met. 1.7.4. And even this is not enough, nor is it enough if there is another substance besides the Forms; for unless it actually functions there will not be motion.
4
And it will still not be enough even if it does function, if its essence is potentiality; for there will not be eternal motion, since that which exists potentially may not exist. Therefore there must be a principle of this kind whose essence is actuality. Furthermore these substancesAristotle is now thinking not only of the prime mover (God or Mind) but also of the movers of the celestial spheres. Cf. Aristot. Met. 12.8.14. must be immaterial; for they must be eternal if anything is. Therefore they are actuality.
5
There is a difficulty, however; for it seems that everything which actually functions has a potentiality, whereas not everything which has a potentiality actually functions; so that potentiality is prior. But if this is so, there need be no reality; for everything may be capable of existing, but not yet existent.
