ABSTRACT
IN Metaphysics Θ 6 Aristotle first gives a general explanation of the notion of energeia as opposed to dunaimis—actuality as opposed to potentiality. He then draws a distinction between energeia and kinesis. ‘Kinesis’ is Aristotle's regular word for change, including movement. Kinesis is itself an energeia in the wide sense, an actuality as opposed to a potentiality. So in distinguishing it from energeia Aristotle is evidently using ‘ energeia’ in a new and narrower sense. This distinction between energeia and kinesis occurs in a number of places in Aristotle, and the commentators seem to be fairly happy about it. Yet it is not easy to understand precisely what distinction Aristotle has in mind.
