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Single Idea 11198
[filed under theme 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / k. Explanations by essence
]
Full Idea
It is definition of essence that makes things understandable.
Gist of Idea
Definition of essence makes things understandable
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
The aim of philosophy is understanding, which is achieved by successful explanation. I totally agree with this Aristotelian view, so neatly summarised by Aquinas.
The
14 ideas
from 'De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence)'
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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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11196
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Essence is something in common between the natures which sort things into categories
[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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11198
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Definition of essence makes things understandable
[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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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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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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