Aristotle, Evolution, and Rupert Sheldrake’s Morphogenetic Fields

A Tract Book

By

Anthony J. Fejfar

© Copyright 2006 by Anthony J. Fejfar

In his scientific work, Rupert Sheldrake discusses a concept which

scientists call “morphogenetic fields.” Morphogenetic Fields are

“invisible fields of influence” which help to structure biological growth. A

morphogenetic field can also be called a “morphogenetic form.” A

morphogenetic form seems to be very similar to the Aristotelian material

forms and substantial forms which I have previously discussed in my work.

Sheldrake has two explanations for morphogenetic forms, the first

involving Plato. Arguably, the morphogenetic forms are the Immutable

Platonic forms found in the “mathematical world of perfection” also known

as the World of the Forms. These forms exist outside. of time. I would

argue, however, that these forms can be “added to, but not subtracted from,

rearranged but not changed.” In this sense the forms can be added to

outside of time.

The idea that the forms could be added to is consistent with

Sheldrake’s other hypothesis involving formative causation. Under the

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formative causation theory, nature itself can produce forms utilizing

evolutionary creativity. I would argue that both theories operate

simultaneously, and that both are true. I would argue that a more ethereal

subststantial form developes from the original “material form” or

morphogenetic form in some instances. At the same time, many substantial

forms manifest as material forms or morphogenetic forms. Thus evolution

involves a top down-bottom up dialectic of the forms.

Lastly, I would argue that the Immutable Platonic Forms and the

Aristotelian Forms are not the same. The Immutable Platonic Forms exist

in the World of Perfection, the World of the Forms, outside of time. I would

argue that the Aristotelian forms exist inside of time and inhere in reality

here and now.

Bibliography

Fejfar, Anthony Jurisprudence for a New Age

Sheldrake, Rupert, The Greening of the Rebirth of Nature

Science and God