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Single Idea 11036

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / c. Types of substance]

Full Idea

A substance, in its most primary sense, is that which is neither said of a subject nor in a subject, e.g. the individual man or horse. The species in which things primarily called substances are, are called secondary substances, as are the genera.

Gist of Idea

A 'primary' substance is in each subject, with species or genera as 'secondary' substances

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 02a11)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.5


A Reaction

This distinction between 'primary' and 'secondary' substances is characteristic of Aristotle's earlier metaphysical view, with the later view (more unified and Platonic) in the 'Metaphysics'.