Single Idea 8287

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

Full Idea

In 'Categories' primary substances are individual concrete objects, such as a particular horse, whereas in 'Metaphysics' such things are combinations of matter and substantial form, with the latter being the primary substances.

Gist of Idea

Earlier Aristotle had objects as primary substances, but later he switched to substantial form

Source

report of Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE]) by E.J. Lowe - The Possibility of Metaphysics 9.1

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.190


A Reaction

Lowe claims there is no real difference. Aristotle came to think that matter was not part of primary substance, so the shift seems to be that substance was concrete, but then he decided it was abstract. Physicists will prefer 'Metaphysics'.