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Single Idea 11384

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / k. Explanations by essence ]

Full Idea

It is when we know what a man is or what fire is that we reckon that we know a particular item in the fullest sense, rather than when we merely know its quality, quantity or location.

Gist of Idea

We know something when we fully know what it is, not just its quality, quantity or location

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1028a36)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.168


A Reaction

The word 'what' should usually be taken to indicate that Aristotle is talking about essence (as V. Politis confirms of this passage). This idea is a key one for the claim that Aristotelian essences are essentially (sic) explanatory.