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Single Idea 15774

[filed under theme 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 4. Potentiality ]

Full Idea

It is from the actuality that the potentiality is recognised.

Gist of Idea

We recognise potentiality from actuality

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1051a29)

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.279


A Reaction

I presume it is from this simple fact that Sider and others draw the mistaken inference that there are no potentialities in the actual world.


The 13 ideas with the same theme [possibilities of some specific thing]:

A 'potentiality' is a principle of change or process in a thing [Aristotle]
Things are destroyed not by their powers, but by their lack of them [Aristotle]
Potentialities are always for action, but are conditional on circumstances [Aristotle]
We recognise potentiality from actuality [Aristotle]
Matter is potentiality [Aristotle, by Politis]
Bodies have act and potency, the latter explaining new kinds of existence [Oderberg]
A potentiality may not be a disposition, but dispositions are strong potentialities [Vetter, by Friend/Kimpton-Nye]
Potentiality does the explaining in metaphysics; we don't explain it away or reduce it [Vetter]
Potentiality is the common genus of dispositions, abilities, and similar properties [Vetter]
Water has a potentiality to acquire a potentiality to break (by freezing) [Vetter]
Potentialities may be too weak to count as 'dispositions' [Vetter]
Potentiality logic is modal system T. Stronger systems collapse iterations, and necessitate potentials [Vetter]
There are potentialities 'to ...', but possibilities are 'that ....'. [Vetter]