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Single Idea 11288

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 3. Being / a. Nature of Being ]

Full Idea

The subject [to hupokeimenon, the underlying thing] is that of which other entities are said, it itself never being said-of anything else.

Gist of Idea

Things are predicated of the basic thing, which isn't predicated of anything else

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1029b36)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.174


A Reaction

This seems to be the core or basis of being in 'Categories', which is rejected in favour of the more substantial (and determinate and explanatory) 'essence' in 'Metaphysics'.