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Full Idea
Metaphysics Z.3, often read as denying that matter is a substance, can more plausibly be interpreted as claiming that matter cannot be the only and not a first-rank substance.
Gist of Idea
Aristotle says matter is a lesser substance, rather than wholly denying that it is a substance
Source
report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], matter) by Joan Kung - Aristotle on Essence and Explanation VI
Book Ref
-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.376
A Reaction
This certainly sounds a more plausible view, and in modern understanding some kind of elemental matter is our best candidate for what could be meant by 'substance'. Perhaps the 'fields' of modern physics play that role.
| 22727 | Mind creates the world from a mixture of pure substances [Anaxagoras, by ] |
| 13216 | Matter is the limit of points and lines, and must always have quality and form [Aristotle] |
| 17994 | The primary matter is the substratum for the contraries like hot and cold [Aristotle] |
| 16590 | Matter is neither a particular thing nor a member of a determinate category [Aristotle] |
| 10955 | Matter is perceptible (like bronze) or intelligible (like mathematical objects) [Aristotle] |
| 601 | Substance must exist, because something must endure during change between opposites [Aristotle] |
| 12299 | Aristotle had a hierarchical conception of matter [Aristotle, by Fine,K] |
| 12001 | Aristotle says matter is a lesser substance, rather than wholly denying that it is a substance [Aristotle, by Kung] |
| 16762 | Matter desires form, as female desires male, and ugliness desires beauty [Aristotle] |
| 12058 | Aristotle's matter can become any other kind of matter [Aristotle, by Wiggins] |
| 16624 | Stripped and passive matter is just a human invention [Bacon] |
| 14265 | The components of abstract definitions could play the same role as matter for physical objects [Fine,K] |