more from Aristotle

Single Idea 12351

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / e. Individuation by kind]

Full Idea

The reason Aristotle gives for calling species and genera substances is that of what is predicated only they reveal what the primary substance is.

Gist of Idea

Genus and species are substances, because only they reveal the primary substance

Source

report of Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 02b29-37) by Michael V. Wedin - Aristotle's Theory of Substance III.6

Book Reference

Wedin,Michael V.: 'Aristotle's Theory of Substance' [OUP 2000], p.94


A Reaction

Thus we should not be misled into thinking that the genus and species ARE the essence. We edge our way towards the essence of an individual by subdividing its categories.

Related Idea

Idea 16141 In 'Met.' he says genera can't be substances or qualities, so aren't in the ontology [Aristotle, by Frede,M]