Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 12, 2024

The Revival of Hylomorphism and Contemporary Philosophy of Mind

(Abstract)

Cheng Wei

Hylomorphism, widely regarded as Aristotle’s most representative theory, profoundly shaped the development of later philosophies, establishing itself as one of the defining philosophical frameworks of the Middle Ages. With the advent of the modern scientific revolution, however, this theory was increasingly marginalized. In recent years, hylomorphism has witnessed a revival, earning renewed interest from philosophers. As a distinctive theoretical approach, it has found application in several philosophical fields—most notably in metaphysics and the philosophy of mind—and has even been regarded as a potential solution to many core theoretical problems. This paper critically examines contemporary forms of hylomorphism in the philosophy of mind, offering an analysis of the background, theoretical motivations, and core aspects of this revival, clarifying their relation to classical hylomorphism as well as their current significance and limitations.