Single Idea 16575

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 7. Substratum]

Full Idea

It is impossible that anything should be produced if there were nothing existing before. Obviously then some part of the result will pre-exist of necessity.

Gist of Idea

Something must pre-exist any new production

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1032b30)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.793


A Reaction

This is arguing for a substrate on the basis of the ex nihilo principle. Creation needs raw materials as a basis. This may be the obscure 'prime matter'.