more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
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)'
13090
|
The principle of diversity for corporeal substances is their matter
[Aquinas, by Cover/O'Leary-Hawthorne]
|
13070
|
If definitions must be general, and general terms can't individuate, then Socrates can't be defined
[Aquinas, by Cover/O'Leary-Hawthorne]
|
11205
|
If the form of 'human' contains 'many', Socrates isn't human; if it contains 'one', Socrates is Plato
[Aquinas]
|
11206
|
The mind constructs complete attributions, based on the unified elements of the real world
[Aquinas]
|
11207
|
A cause can exist without its effect, but the effect cannot exist without its cause
[Aquinas]
|
11208
|
A simple substance is its own essence
[Aquinas]
|
11198
|
Definition of essence makes things understandable
[Aquinas]
|
11197
|
The definitions expressing identity are used to sort things
[Aquinas]
|
11195
|
If affirmative propositions express being, we affirm about what is absent
[Aquinas]
|
11196
|
Essence is something in common between the natures which sort things into categories
[Aquinas]
|
11200
|
The definition of a physical object must include the material as well as the form
[Aquinas]
|
11201
|
Properties have an incomplete essence, with definitions referring to their subject
[Aquinas]
|
11202
|
It is by having essence that things exist
[Aquinas]
|
11203
|
Specific individual essence is defined by material, and generic essence is defined by form
[Aquinas]
|