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Single Idea 16095

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

Full Idea

Aristotle's theory also includes a special group of forms that can exist without matter, of which the Prime Mover is an instance, and these forms are separate not only in account but also in existence.

Gist of Idea

Some forms, such as the Prime Mover, are held by Aristotle to exist without matter

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE]) by Mary Louise Gill - Aristotle on Substance Ch 1

Book Ref

Gill,Mary Louise: 'Aristotle on Substance: Paradox of Unity' [Princeton 1989], p.35

A Reaction

I am curious about her other examples. This must be the closest that Aristotle gets to his teacher's view of the Forms.

The 8 ideas with the same theme [form as the guiding principle of an object]:

16095 Some forms, such as the Prime Mover, are held by Aristotle to exist without matter [Aristotle, by Gill,ML]
15853 A true substance is constituted by some nature, which is a principle [Aristotle]
16640 Form is the principle that connects a thing's constitution (rather than being operative) [Hill,N]
16761 Forms are of no value in physics, but are indispensable in metaphysics [Leibniz]
17544 Basic particles have a mathematical form, which is more important than their substance [Heisenberg]
15956 The peripatetics treated forms and real qualities as independent of matter, and non-material [Alexander,P]
15128 We can treat the structure/form of the world differently from the nodes/matter of the world [Hawthorne]
16612 Hylomorphism may not be a rival to science, but an abstract account of unity and endurance [Pasnau]