more from Aristotle

Single Idea 13221

[catalogued under 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 2. Types of Existence]

Full Idea

Some things are-potentially while others are-actually.

Gist of Idea

Existence is either potential or actual

Source

Aristotle (Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) [c.335 BCE], 327b24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.504


A Reaction

I've read a lot of Aristotle, but am still not quite clear what this distinction means. I like the distinction between a thing's actual being and its 'modal profile', but the latter may extend well beyond what Aristotle means by potential being.