Single Idea 17994

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / a. Greek matter]

Full Idea

We must reckon as an 'orginal source' and as 'primary' the matter which underlies, though it is inseparable from the contrary qualities: for 'the hot' is not matter for 'the cold' nor 'cold' for 'hot', but the substratum is matter for them both.

Gist of Idea

The primary matter is the substratum for the contraries like hot and cold

Source

Aristotle (Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) [c.335 BCE], 329a30)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.508


A Reaction

A much discussed passage.

Related Idea

Idea 17995 Basic is the potentially perceptible, then comes the contrary qualities, and finally the 'elements' [Anaxagoras]