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Single Idea 12076

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

Full Idea

Aristotelian substance is prior in three ways: it is prior to nonsubstance in being separate, it is prior in definition, and it is prior in knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Substance is prior in being separate, in definition, and in knowledge

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ousia) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle 2.4

Book Reference

Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.58


A Reaction

'Being separate' means it doesn't dependent on anything else, so it is prior because it is fundamental, in relations of ontological dependence.