Entele

Entele is a term originating from Aristotelian philosophy, specifically within his metaphysics. It refers to the realization of potential or the state of being fully actualized. In essence, it is the inherent purpose or end goal of a thing, the state it is striving to achieve through its development and existence. Aristotle used entelechy to describe the vital principle that drives an organism or object towards its completion or final cause.

The concept is distinct from mere passive existence; it implies an active process of becoming. For example, an acorn possesses the entelechy of an oak tree. Its potential to grow into a mature oak is its entelechy, and the process of growing and developing into that oak is the actualization of that potential. Entelechy is not a predetermined fate but rather an intrinsic drive towards a specific form and function.

This idea has influenced various philosophical and scientific thought throughout history, particularly in discussions of teleology, purpose, and the nature of change and development. It contrasts with purely mechanistic explanations by suggesting that natural processes have an inherent directionality or goal. The term is sometimes translated as "actuality" or "perfection" in relation to potentiality.