formal cause

plural formal causes

1. naturalhuman sciencesThe design, pattern, or pure concept of a thing, which gives form or structure to its matter.

   In the production of a statue of Athena for the Parthenon, the bronze is the material cause; the shape and design of the statue is the formal cause; the sculptor is the efficient cause; the honor of the goddess (and the glory of Athens) is the final cause.

   1998, R. J. Schork, Greek and Hellenic Culture in Joyce, →ISBN, page 176