Single Idea 16626

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance]

Full Idea

No substance is understood in its own right, except in the most universal of concepts, namely of 'being'.

Gist of Idea

Substance is only grasped under the general heading of 'being'

Source

John Duns Scotus (In Metaphysics [1304], III n. 116), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 07.3

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.125


A Reaction

This is a fairly standard scholastic pessimism about knowing anything about substance. The modern view suggests that actually scientists know 'substance' pretty well.