Single Idea 11294

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 1. Essences of Objects]

Full Idea

Aristotle wanted to argue (against Plato) that changing, material things, and not only universals that are true of them, have an essence.

Gist of Idea

Aristotle says changing, material things (and not just universals) have an essence

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Vassilis Politis - Aristotle and the Metaphysics 7.5

Book Reference

Politis,Vasilis: 'Aristotle and the Metaphysics' [Routledge 2004], p.215


A Reaction

This is the huge idea which Aristotle contributes to our understanding of the world, and which I take to be one of the most important ideas in philosophy (though I accept that defending essences is a little precarious).