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Single Idea 11267

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 5. Theory of Logic / L. Paradox / 2. Aporiai ]

Full Idea

Aporia 6: Are the principles of a thing the kinds to which the thing belongs or are they rather the ultimate elements that are present in the thing and compose the thing?

Gist of Idea

Aporia 6: Are the basic principles of a thing the kinds to which it belongs, or its components?

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 0998a20-b13) by Vassilis Politis - Aristotle and the Metaphysics 3.4

Book Reference

Politis,Vasilis: 'Aristotle and the Metaphysics' [Routledge 2004], p.85


A Reaction

This is the heart of the modern debate on essentialism, between sortal essentialists (Brody and Wiggins) and those basing essences on powers and basic stuff (Ellis, Fine). I say the sortal bunch are wrong, wrong, wrong.