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Single Idea 11197
[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 5. Genus and Differentia
]
Full Idea
What sorts things into their proper genus and species are the definitions that express what they are.
Gist of Idea
The definitions expressing identity are used to sort things
Source
Thomas Aquinas (De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence) [1267], p.92)
Book Ref
Aquinas,Thomas: 'Selected Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. McDermott,Timothy [OUP 1993], p.92
A Reaction
This is straight from Aristotle, though Aristotle's view is a little more complex, I think. If the definitions 'express what they are', then definitions seem to specify the essence.
The
14 ideas
from 'De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence)'
13090
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The principle of diversity for corporeal substances is their matter
[Aquinas, by Cover/O'Leary-Hawthorne]
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13070
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If definitions must be general, and general terms can't individuate, then Socrates can't be defined
[Aquinas, by Cover/O'Leary-Hawthorne]
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11205
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If the form of 'human' contains 'many', Socrates isn't human; if it contains 'one', Socrates is Plato
[Aquinas]
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11206
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The mind constructs complete attributions, based on the unified elements of the real world
[Aquinas]
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11207
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A cause can exist without its effect, but the effect cannot exist without its cause
[Aquinas]
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11208
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A simple substance is its own essence
[Aquinas]
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11198
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Definition of essence makes things understandable
[Aquinas]
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11197
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The definitions expressing identity are used to sort things
[Aquinas]
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11195
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If affirmative propositions express being, we affirm about what is absent
[Aquinas]
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11196
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Essence is something in common between the natures which sort things into categories
[Aquinas]
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11200
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The definition of a physical object must include the material as well as the form
[Aquinas]
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11201
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Properties have an incomplete essence, with definitions referring to their subject
[Aquinas]
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11202
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It is by having essence that things exist
[Aquinas]
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11203
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Specific individual essence is defined by material, and generic essence is defined by form
[Aquinas]
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