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Single Idea 12000

[filed under theme 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / k. Explanations by essence ]

Full Idea

The view that essential properties are those in virtue of which other significant properties of the subjects under investigation can be explained is encountered repeatedly in Aristotle's work.

Gist of Idea

Aristotle regularly says that essential properties explain other significant properties

Source

report of Aristotle (works [c.330 BCE]) by Joan Kung - Aristotle on Essence and Explanation IV

Book Ref

-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.372

A Reaction

What does 'significant' mean here? I take it that the significant properties are the ones which explain the role, function and powers of the object.

The 25 ideas from 'works'

19693 There is practical wisdom (for action), and theoretical wisdom (for deep understanding) [Aristotle, by Whitcomb]
1575 For Aristotle logos is essentially the ability to talk rationally about questions of value [Roochnik on Aristotle]
1589 Aristotle is the supreme optimist about the ability of logos to explain nature [Roochnik on Aristotle]
8200 Aristotelian definitions aim to give the essential properties of the thing defined [Aristotle, by Quine]
4385 Aristotelian definition involves first stating the genus, then the differentia of the thing [Aristotle, by Urmson]
13282 Aristotle relativises the notion of wholeness to different measures [Aristotle, by Koslicki]
4730 For Aristotle, the subject-predicate structure of Greek reflected a substance-accident structure of reality [Aristotle, by O'Grady]
3320 Aristotle's standard analysis of species and genus involves specifying things in terms of something more general [Aristotle, by Benardete,JA]
11240 The notion of analytic truth is absent in Aristotle [Aristotle, by Politis]
13276 The unmoved mover and the soul show Aristotelian form as the ultimate mereological atom [Aristotle, by Koslicki]
13277 The 'form' is the recipe for building wholes of a particular kind [Aristotle, by Koslicki]
5991 For Aristotle, knowledge is of causes, and is theoretical, practical or productive [Aristotle, by Code]
11239 The notion of a priori truth is absent in Aristotle [Aristotle, by Politis]
23312 Aristotle is a rationalist, but reason is slowly acquired through perception and experience [Aristotle, by Frede,M]
16111 Aristotle wants to fit common intuitions, and therefore uses language as a guide [Aristotle, by Gill,ML]
11243 Aristotelian explanations are facts, while modern explanations depend on human conceptions [Aristotle, by Politis]
12000 Aristotle regularly says that essential properties explain other significant properties [Aristotle, by Kung]
23300 Aristotle and the Stoics denied rationality to animals, while Platonists affirmed it [Aristotle, by Sorabji]
6559 Aristotle never actually says that man is a rational animal [Aristotle, by Fogelin]
3037 Aristotle said the educated were superior to the uneducated as the living are to the dead [Aristotle, by Diog. Laertius]
11150 It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it [Aristotle]
12058 Aristotle's matter can become any other kind of matter [Aristotle, by Wiggins]
8660 There are potential infinities (never running out), but actual infinity is incoherent [Aristotle, by Friend]
16971 Plato says sciences are unified around Forms; Aristotle says they're unified around substance [Aristotle, by Moravcsik]
22729 The concepts of gods arose from observing the soul, and the cosmos [Aristotle, by Sext.Empiricus]