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Full Idea
There is a question of whether there is a viable conception of constitution of the sort Aristotle supposes, one which is uniformly applicable to physical and non-physical objects alike, and which is capable of hierarchical application.
Gist of Idea
Is there a plausible Aristotelian notion of constitution, applicable to both physical and non-physical?
Source
Kit Fine (Aristotle on Matter [1992], 1)
Book Ref
-: 'Mind' [-], p.37
A Reaction
This is part of an explication of Aristotle's 'matter' [hule], which might be better translated as 'ingredients', which would fit non-physical things quite well.
12302 | Definitions formed an abstract hierarchy for Aristotle, as sets do for us [Fine,K] |
14267 | There is no distinctive idea of constitution, because you can't say constitution begins and ends [Fine,K] |
14264 | Is there a plausible Aristotelian notion of constitution, applicable to both physical and non-physical? [Fine,K] |
14265 | The components of abstract definitions could play the same role as matter for physical objects [Fine,K] |
14266 | Aristotle sees hierarchies in definitions using genus and differentia (as we see them in sets) [Fine,K] |
14268 | Maybe bottom-up grounding shows constitution, and top-down grounding shows essence [Fine,K] |