Single Idea 1509

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / e. The One]

Full Idea

Since the one is everywhere alike, then if it is divisible, it will be equally divisible everywhere….so let it be divided everywhere. It is obvious that nothing will remain and the whole will vanish, and so (if it is compound) it is composed of nothing.

Gist of Idea

The one can't be divisible, because if it was it could be infinitely divided down to nothing

Source

report of Parmenides (fragments/reports [c.474 BCE]) by Simplicius - On Aristotle's 'Physics' 9.139.5-

Book Reference

'The First Philosophers', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 2000], p.78


A Reaction

he is quoting Porphyry