There are three parts to this post. First I want to explain the
four ways we speak of causes. Second I want to relate these four
ways to the causes that are the subject of modern science.
Third, we will see how it is possible for God to act in ways to
which modern science modern science cannot even relate, let
alone comprehend. First: there are four ways that we speak of
causes or explanations. The goal of science (in both the broad
and narrow senses) is to explain, and to explain is to discover
causes. Aristotle observed that four general categories of cause
are present in all changes of our everyday experience. This will
be clearer with an example. To explain the existence of a lamp,
we need to know - what is it made of? —brass (material cause) -
what or who made it? —the lamp maker (efficient cause) - what is
it? —a lamp (formal cause) - what is it for? —to illuminate the
room (final cause–purpose, end, goal) The material, efficient,
formal, and final causes are just a more systematic way to use
ordinary l