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Single Idea 10951

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 3. Unity Problems / c. Statue and clay ]

Full Idea

The statue is not called 'stone' but 'stoney'. ...The building is said to be 'bricked', not 'bricks'.

Gist of Idea

The statue is not called 'stone' but 'stoney'

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1033a08)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.192


A Reaction

We have the same distinction in English (best expressed as 'made of stone'). The point is that in thought we identify a statue as primarily something other than the stone of which it is made, though that may not prove anything about reality.