Single Idea 16614

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / d. Form as unifier]

Full Idea

From matter and form comes one thing per se. This is not so for subject and accident. Matter and form are instrinsic causes of a composite being, but whiteness and a human being are not. Humans can exist without whiteness, so it is one thing per accidens.

Gist of Idea

Matter and form give true unity; subject and accident is just unity 'per accidens'

Source

John Duns Scotus (Oxford Commentary on Sentences [1301], II.12.1.14), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.101


A Reaction

This isn't much of a theory, but at least it is focusing on an interesting question, and the distinction between genuinely unified, and unified by chance. Compare a loving couple with siblings who hate each other.