Aristotle's exploration of change addresses a significant dilemma faced by ancient Greek philosophers: the nature of change itself. While thinkers like Plato believed that change contradicted the notion of unchanging Truth, Aristotle accepted the reality of change in the physical world. He proposed a comprehensive framework to understand how objects transform, blending key concepts such as form and matter, potentiality and actuality, along with the four causes.

The concept of form and matter is crucial to Aristotle’s theory. Unlike Plato's ideal Forms, Aristotle's form pertains to the essence of objects found in reality. For Aristotle, the form answers the question, "What is it?" For example, a tree is defined by its specific characteristics that differentiate it from other entities. In contrast, matter refers to the substance that composes an object—its "thisness." An acorn, for instance, is an acorn not merely by its form but also by the specific organic material it consists of. Matter, in Aristotle's view, is not an independent entity; it represents pure potentiality until it is shaped into a substance by form.

Moving on to potentiality and actuality, Aristotle posited that all objects possess both aspects. Actuality denotes the state of being that allows us to perceive an object, while potentiality signifies the capability of an object to evolve into something else. For example, an acorn exists in its actual state but holds the potential to develop into an oak tree, provided it is placed in suitable conditions. This interplay of potentiality and actuality is vital for understanding the transformations that occur in nature.

Next, Aristotle introduced the four causes to elucidate how objects realize their potential. These causes comprise:

1. Material Cause: The substance from which an object is formed. For instance, an acorn is made of organic plant matter.
2. Formal Cause: The arrangement or essence of the object that defines its identity. An acorn is an acorn due to its specific properties.
3. Efficient Cause: The processes or agents that bring about change. For an acorn, this includes soil, water, and sunlight, which enable its growth into an oak tree.
4. Final Cause: The ultimate purpose or goal of an object. An acorn's final cause is to mature into an oak tree, illustrating the inherent direction of all entities in nature toward their respective ends.

In essence, Aristotle's view emphasizes that every object exists within a framework of potentiality and actuality, shaped by its material and formal characteristics, influenced by efficient causes, and directed towards its final purpose. This comprehensive understanding of change highlights the interconnectedness of all things in nature as they strive toward their inherent goals.