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Single Idea 10949

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 1. Unifying an Object / a. Intrinsic unification ]

Full Idea

Our conclusion is as follows: with things that are primary and spoken of per se, the what-it-was-to-be-that-thing and the thing itself are one and the same.

Gist of Idea

Primary things just are what-it-is-to-be-that-thing

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1032a05)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.188


A Reaction

It is tantalizing to know whether or not Aristotle has really said anything here. It might be clearer if we said 'a thing is its essence', but that may not be quite what he is saying. [P.S. V.Politis translates as 'essence'!]