more from Aristotle

Single Idea 12350

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / d. Substance defined]

Full Idea

It is because the primary substances are subjects for everything else that they are called substances [ousiai] most strictly.

Gist of Idea

Things are called 'substances' because they are subjects for everything else

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 03a04)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.8


A Reaction

Things points to a rather minimal account of substance, as possibly the 'bare particular' which has no other role than to have properties. This expands in 'Metaphysics' to be matter which has form, making properties possible.