In the preceding senses, with various defining attributes.

final cause: a term introduced into philosophical language by the schoolmen as a transl. of Aristotle's fourth cause, τὸ οὗ ἕνεκα or τέλος, the end…

A true cause which brings about an effect as a minimum independent agency.

Philosophy. The governing principle of the final cause; = finality, n. 2. Obsolete.

That which causes a thing to be as it is; the essential reason for something. Cf. whatness, n.