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Single Idea 11207
[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 5. Direction of causation
]
Full Idea
When things are so related that one causes the other to exist, the cause can exist without what it causes but not vice versa.
Gist of Idea
A cause can exist without its effect, but the effect cannot exist without its cause
Source
Thomas Aquinas (De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence) [1267], p.103)
Book Ref
Aquinas,Thomas: 'Selected Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. McDermott,Timothy [OUP 1993], p.103
A Reaction
This is open to question, if causes are supposed to be sufficient for effects. Presumably Aquinas would support the view that if the cause had not been, the effect would not have happened. But the current idea indicates the priority relation.
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]
|
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]
|
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]
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11196
|
Essence is something in common between the natures which sort things into categories
[Aquinas]
|
11198
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Definition of essence makes things understandable
[Aquinas]
|
11197
|
The definitions expressing identity are used to sort things
[Aquinas]
|
11195
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If affirmative propositions express being, we affirm about what is absent
[Aquinas]
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11201
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Properties have an incomplete essence, with definitions referring to their subject
[Aquinas]
|
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]
|
11203
|
Specific individual essence is defined by material, and generic essence is defined by form
[Aquinas]
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