more from Thomas Aquinas

Single Idea 11208

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 6. Essence as Unifier]

Full Idea

A simple substance is its own essence.

Gist of Idea

A simple substance is its own essence

Source

Thomas Aquinas (De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence) [1267], p.103)

Book Reference

Aquinas,Thomas: 'Selected Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. McDermott,Timothy [OUP 1993], p.103


A Reaction

Aquinas takes complex substances to have their essences in various ways, but this thought is the basis of all essence. Presumably the Greek word 'ousia' names the key ingredient.