Kitap 12
18
But all things which are many in number have matter (for one and the same definition applies to many individuals, e.g. that of man; but Socrates is oneThe definition or form is one and universal; it is the combination of form with matter that constitutes an individual. Thus a plurality of individuals is caused by the combination of the same form with different matter.), but the primary essence has no matter, because it is complete reality. Therefore the prime mover, which is immovable, is one both in formula and in number; and therefore so also is that which is eternally and continuously in motion. Therefore there is only one heaven.
19
A tradition has been handed down by the ancient thinkers of very early times, and bequeathed to posterity in the form of a myth, to the effect that these heavenly bodies are gods,This statement is not literally true. The planets do not seem to have been associated with the gods of popular mythology until the fourth century B.C. (see Burnet, E.G.P. p. 23 n.). But Aristotle’s general meaning seems to be that the gods were identified with the primary natural forces; and this is substantially true. and that the Divine pervades the whole of nature.
20
The rest of their tradition has been added later in a mythological form to influence the vulgar and as a constitutional and utilitarian expedientCf. Aristot. Met. 2.3.1.; they say that these gods are human in shape or are like certain other animals,e.g. the Egyptian deities. Zoomorphism in Greek religion is a doubtful quantity. and make other statements consequent upon and similar to those which we have mentioned.
