Single Idea 13209

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 6. Nihilism about Objects]

Full Idea

Empedocles says there is no coming-to-be of anything, but only a mingling and a divorce of what has been mingled.

Gist of Idea

There is no coming-to-be of anything, but only mixing and separating

Source

report of Empedocles (fragments/reports [c.453 BCE]) by Aristotle - Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) 314b08

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.471


A Reaction

Aristotle comments that this prevents Empedocleans from distinguishing between superficial alteration and fundamental change of identity. Presumably, though, that wouldn't bother them.