entelechy

(ĕn-tĕl'ĭ-kē)
n., pl., -chies.

1. In the philosophy of Aristotle, the condition of a thing whose essence is fully realized; actuality.
2. In some philosophical systems, a vital force that directs an organism toward self-fulfillment.

[Late Latin entelechīa, from Greek entelekheia : entelēs, complete (en-, in; see en-² + telos, completion) + ekhein, to have.]

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(Greek, to have perfection) In Aristotle, the realization of the potential of a thing, or the mode of being of a thing whose essence is fully realized, as opposed to being merely potential. In later usages the entelechy became treated as the informing spirit that gives life to something; sometimes as well the active power generating motion in material things.

The term entelecheia is first used in Greek philosophy to mean the actualization of something as opposed to its mere potentiality. Thus Aristotle in the De anima (Concerning the Soul) defines psyche (soul) as the 'entelechy of an organic body', namely that which makes a body actually alive and functioning. Aristotle did not, however, regard the psyche as a separate non-material entity, but merely as the 'form' or organizing principle of the body.

In the philosophy of Leibniz, 'entelechy' is used to refer to the active principle present in all created substances which makes them complete, self-sufficient, and changing only as a result of internal action. Later the term was used by vitalists (e.g. Driesch) to refer to the (alleged) active principle responsible for organic life.

(Published 1987)

— John G. Cottingham

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[fr. Gk entelekheia]  /en TEL eh key/
Philos. 1) [Aristotle] the condition of a thing whose essence is fully realized; actuality
2) a vital force that directs an organism toward self-fulfillment

IN BRIEF: n. - (Aristotle) the state of something that is fully realized.

Tutor's tip: This word was used in the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals.

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For a list of words related to entelechy, see:

• Notions, Ideas, and Methods - entelechy: motive force for realization, completion, and perfection
• Enlightenment, Truth, and the Unknowable - entelechy: realization or actuality, as opposed to potential

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