Single Idea 13224

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / c. Ultimate substances]

Full Idea

No one supposes a single 'element' to persist, as the basis of all, in such a way that it is Water as well as Air (or any other element) at the same time.

Gist of Idea

There couldn't be just one element, which was both water and air at the same time

Source

Aristotle (Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) [c.335 BCE], 332a09)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.515


A Reaction

Of course, we now think that oxygen is a key part of both water and of air, but Aristotle's basic argument still seems right. How could multiplicity be explained by a simply unity? The One is cool, but explains nothing.