back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 11379

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 1. Universals ]

Full Idea

The substance of each thing is something that is peculiar to each thing, not pertaining to anything else, whereas the universal is something common. Indeed, a thing is said to be a universal just if its nature pertains to a plurality.

Gist of Idea

Substance is not a universal, as the former is particular but a universal is shared

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1038b10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.216


A Reaction

This should be a warning to those who talk of the 'Aristotelian' view of properties as universals instantiated in the particulars. Once one has pinpointed the substance, the subject of predication, and the essence, no room is left for universals.