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Single Idea 18366

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 4. Ontological Dependence]

Full Idea

For of things which reciprocate as to implication of existence, that which is in some way the cause of the other's existence might reasonably by called prior by nature.

Gist of Idea

Of interdependent things, the prior one causes the other's existence

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 14b12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.39


A Reaction

Not so clear when you seek examples. The bus is prior to its redness, but you can't have a colourless bus, so being coloured is prior to being a bus. Aristotle's example is a man being prior to the truths about him.

Related Idea

Idea 18367 A true existence statement has its truth caused by the existence of the thing [Aristotle]