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Single Idea 5113

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature]

Full Idea

Nothing natural - nothing due to nature - is disorderly, because in all things nature is responsible for order.

Gist of Idea

Nothing natural is disorderly, because nature is responsible for all order

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 252a11)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.189


A Reaction

This sounds dangerously tautological. What is responsible for disorder? If a forest is smashed up by an earthquake, 'order' doesn't sound like a good description of the result. It is certainly no more orderly than if people smash the forest.