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Single Idea 11378

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 12. Origin as Essential ]

Full Idea

Aristotle thinks that the explanation of how a thing is generated does not contribute to the explanation of why the thing is the very thing it is.

Gist of Idea

How a thing is generated does not explain its essence

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Vassilis Politis - Aristotle and the Metaphysics 7.5

Book Reference

Politis,Vasilis: 'Aristotle and the Metaphysics' [Routledge 2004], p.241


A Reaction

Good for him. The origin of a thing strikes me as an entirely different matter from the intrinsic nature of the thing, and I don't see how the origin of something can be necessary, if it is in any way possible that it originated differently.