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Single Idea 11284

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance ]

Full Idea

It is wrong to translate 'ousia' as 'substance', or 'proté ousia' as 'primary substance'. 'Substance' is a particular answer to the question 'What is proté ousia?' The Latin 'substantia' means 'that which lies under', translating 'to hupokeimenon'.

Gist of Idea

It is wrong to translate 'ousia' as 'substance'

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], subst) by Vassilis Politis - Aristotle and the Metaphysics 7.1

Book Reference

Politis,Vasilis: 'Aristotle and the Metaphysics' [Routledge 2004], p.192


A Reaction

This seems to be rather important in the exegesis of Aristotle's metaphysics, but Politis seems to hold a minority view, even though what he says here is very persuasive.

Related Idea

Idea 11231 'Ousia' is 'primary being' not 'primary substance' [Aristotle, by Politis]