Cause Principle Unity

Second dialogue
DICSONO. Then, tell me, what difference is there between cause and
principle, as far as natural things are concerned?
TEOFILO. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably,
nonetheless, speaking properly, not everything that is a principle is a cause.
The point is the principle or origin of the line, but not its cause; the instant
is the principle or origin of activity [but not the cause of the act]; the point
of departure is the principle of movement, and not the cause of movement;
the premises are the principles of an argument, but not its cause. ‘Principle’
is, thus, a more general term than ‘cause’.
DICSONO. Then, to narrow these two terms within certain proper
meanings, observing the procedure of those who express themselves most
correctly, I think you take ‘principle’ to be that which intrinsically contributes
to the constitution of things and remains in the effect, as they say
of matter and form, which remain in the composite, or else the elements
from which a thing is composed and into which a thing is resolved. You call
‘cause’ that which contributes to the production of things from outside,
and which exists outside the composition, as is the case of the efficient
cause, and of the end to which the thing produced is directed.
TEOFILO. Very good.
DICSONO. Now that we have answered the question of the difference
between these things, I would like you to turn your attention first to the
causes, and then to the principles. Regarding the causes, I would first like
to know about the first efficient cause, then the formal, which you say is
linked to the efficient, and lastly the final cause, understood as the mover
of the efficient cause.
TEOFILO. The order of your proposition pleases me very much. As for
the efficient cause, I say that the universal physical efficient cause is the universal
intellect, which is the first and principal faculty of the world soul,
which, in turn, is the universal form of it.
DICSONO. You seem to me to be not only in agreement with
Empedocles’ opinion, but still more certain, precise, explicit and even, as
far as I can see by your statements, more profound. Thus, I would appreciate
it if you would explain in greater detail just what you conceive this
universal intellect to be.
TEOFILO. The universal intellect is the innermost, most real and most
proper faculty or potential part of the world soul. It is that one and the same
thing that fills everything, illuminates the universe and directs nature to
produce her various species suitably. It is to the production of natural
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