Single Idea 10506

[catalogued under 18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 2. Abstracta by Selection]

Full Idea

Intellect can abstract mathematical species from sensible matter, both individual and common. Yet it cannot abstract such species from common intelligible matter, but only from individual intelligible matter.

Gist of Idea

Mathematics can be abstracted from sensible matter, and from individual intelligible matter

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], Q85 Ad2)

Book Reference

Aquinas,Thomas: 'Treatise on Human Nature (Summa 1a 75-89)', ed/tr. Pasnau,Robert [Hackett 2002], p.160


A Reaction

The idea is that common intelligible matter lacks underlying substance, which is where quantity is to be found.