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Single Idea 11209

[filed under theme 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Simples ]

Full Idea

The simple's whatness is its very self.

Gist of Idea

The simple's whatness is its very self

Source

Avicenna (Abu Ibn Sina) (Commentary on the Metaphysics [1022], 5.5), quoted by Thomas Aquinas - De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence) p.103

Book Ref

Aquinas,Thomas: 'Selected Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. McDermott,Timothy [OUP 1993], p.103

A Reaction

Aquinas endorses this Aristotelian view in Idea 11208.

Related Idea

Idea 11208 A simple substance is its own essence [Aquinas]

The 4 ideas from 'Commentary on the Metaphysics'

15036 An essence can either be universal (in the mind) or singular (in concrete particulars) [Avicenna, by Panaccio]
11193 Understanding begins with the notion of being and essence [Avicenna]
11204 The ultimate material of things has the unity of total formlessness [Avicenna]
11209 The simple's whatness is its very self [Avicenna]