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Single Idea 15777

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

Full Idea

What is a principle of change or process is said to be a 'potentiality' [dunamis], whether in something else or in the thing itself qua something else.

Clarification

'qua' means 'as'

Gist of Idea

A 'potentiality' is a principle of change or process in a thing

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1019a18)

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.131


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]