Final answer:
Aristotle referred to the goal or purpose towards which things in nature aim as the 'telos,' representing the 'final cause' in his doctrine of the four causes. This concept also extends to human life, where the telos is 'eudaimonia,' the flourishing life achieved through virtue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristotle, who was one of the pillars of Western philosophy, has left a lasting impact on various fields, from the creation of logic to natural sciences. At the heart of his philosophical framework is the doctrine of the four causes, which he used to explain not just the nature of single things, but also the workings of the universe. Among these causes is the final cause, which represents the goal or purpose towards which things in nature aim. Aristotle names this the telos, a Greek term meaning "end" or "purpose". In his view, every being or thing naturally moves toward its telos; for example, an acorn's telos is to become an oak tree. Furthermore, Aristotle argues that the telos of human life is eudaimonia, or "flourishing life," which is attained through the pursuit of virtue.