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Single Idea 11247

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / a. Individuation ]

Full Idea

Each man has knowledge when we think that he knows the primary cause or explanation ('proté aitia').

Gist of Idea

To know a thing is to know its primary cause or explanation

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 0983a25)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.12


A Reaction

This seems to me to be the best starting point for individuation. Finding the 'origin' is not quite the same as finding the cause, and finding the 'role' or 'function' is parasitic on the underlying explanation or cause.