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Full Idea
If magnitude were removed from matter by divine power, it would still have parts distinct from one another, but they would not be positioned either outside one another or inside one another, because position would be removed.
Gist of Idea
Without magnitude a thing would retain its parts, but they would have no location
Source
Jean Buridan (Questions on Aristotle's Physics [1346], I.8 f. 11va), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 14.4
Book Ref
Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.295
A Reaction
This shows why Quantity is such an important category for scholastic philosopher.
| 16793 | A thing is (less properly) the same over time if each part is succeeded by another [Buridan] |
| 16576 | Science is based on induction, for general truths about fire, rhubarb and magnets [Buridan] |
| 16577 | Induction is not demonstration, because not all of the instances can be observed [Buridan] |
| 16678 | Without magnitude a thing would retain its parts, but they would have no location [Buridan] |
| 16726 | Why can't we deduce secondary qualities from primary ones, if they cause them? [Buridan] |
| 1403 | A rational donkey would starve to death between two totally identical piles of hay [Buridan, by PG] |