Abstract
In this paper I shall attempt to locate and articulate Aristotle's answer
to a foundational question in the theory of action - viz., 'what is the
proximate (efficient) cause of action?' This task is certainly of
historical importance, since one cannot hope to understand Aristotle's
interesting and influential theory of action without understanding his
views on the proximate efficient cause of action. But the present project
is not, I should think, of historical interest alone; for it has recently
been argued by a leading figure in the study of action, Myles Brand,
that What [proximately] initiates action?' is the fundamental question
in action theory, 1 and we shall see that Aristotle has the makings of a
very plausible answer.