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Single Idea 16099

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / b. Prime matter ]

Full Idea

Since antiquity prime matter has enjoyed a hallowed place in the Aristotelian system, which displays an awesome completeness, with God (pure form and actuality) at the top, and prime matter (pure matter and potentiality) at the bottom.

Gist of Idea

The traditional view of Aristotle is God (actual form) at top and prime matter (potential matter) at bottom

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], God) by Mary Louise Gill - Aristotle on Substance Ch.2

Book Ref

Gill,Mary Louise: 'Aristotle on Substance: Paradox of Unity' [Princeton 1989], p.42

A Reaction

Gill suggests that actually the four elements should be at the bottom, with matter only coming into it when distinct objects are in the offing. The Great Chain of Being emerged as the story between the two extremes.

Related Idea

Idea 16098 I claim that Aristotle's foundation is the four elements, and not wholly potential prime matter [Aristotle, by Gill,ML]

The 11 ideas with the same theme [most basic matter, with no form at all]:

15771 Primary matter is what characterises other stuffs, and it has no distinct identity [Aristotle]
12868 Ultimate matter is discredited, as Aristotle merged substratum of change with bearer of properties [Simons on Aristotle]
16099 The traditional view of Aristotle is God (actual form) at top and prime matter (potential matter) at bottom [Aristotle, by Gill,ML]
15954 Aristotle may only have believed in prime matter because his elements were immutable [Aristotle, by Alexander,P]
16589 Prime matter lacks essence, but is only potentially and indeterminately a physical thing [Auriol]
16571 Prime matter is exceptionally obscure [Zabarella]
16591 Prime matter is nothing but its parts [Vanini]
16600 Prime matter is body considered with mere size and extension, and potential [Hobbes]
19399 Prime matter is nothing when it is at rest [Leibniz]
17006 Prime matter has no place in Aristotle's theories, and passages claiming it are misread [Gill,ML]
16093 Prime matter is actually nothing and potentially everything (or potentially an element) [Gill,ML]