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Single Idea 16088

[filed under theme 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / d. Form as unifier ]

Full Idea

The solution to the problem of unity will finally depend upon Aristotle's doctrine of form as an active cause, or, as he refers to form within his broader theory of potentiality and actuality, an active potentiality [dunamis] or nature [phusis].

Gist of Idea

Aristotle's solution to the problem of unity is that form is an active cause or potentiality or nature

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], hylom) by Mary Louise Gill - Aristotle on Substance Intro

Book Ref

Gill,Mary Louise: 'Aristotle on Substance: Paradox of Unity' [Princeton 1989], p.9

A Reaction

Her intermediate proposal to the solution of the problem in Idea 16083 is that matter only survives through change potentially and not actually.

Related Idea

Idea 16083 Aristotelian matter seriously threatens the intrinsic unity and substantiality of its object [Gill,ML]

The 11 ideas with the same theme [form as what bestows unity on an object]:

16109 Things are a unity because there is no clash between potential matter and actual shape/form [Aristotle]
16088 Aristotle's solution to the problem of unity is that form is an active cause or potentiality or nature [Aristotle, by Gill,ML]
16104 Unity of the form is just unity of the definition [Aristotle]
13277 The 'form' is the recipe for building wholes of a particular kind [Aristotle, by Koslicki]
16766 One thing needs a single thing to unite it; if there were two forms, something must unite them [Aquinas]
16765 Humans only have a single substantial form, which contains the others and acts for them [Aquinas]
16614 Matter and form give true unity; subject and accident is just unity 'per accidens' [Duns Scotus]
16780 Partial forms of leaf and fruit are united in the whole form of the tree [Suárez]
16758 The best support for substantial forms is the co-ordinated unity of a natural being [Suárez]
12700 Form or soul gives unity and duration; matter gives multiplicity and change [Leibniz]
16748 Aquinas says a substance has one form; Scotists say it has many forms [Pasnau]