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Single Idea 12086

[from 'De Anima' by Aristotle, in 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 2. Psuche ]

Full Idea

Soul is substance as the form of a natural body which potentially has life, and since this substance is actuality, soul will be the actuality of such a body.

Gist of Idea

Psuché is the form and actuality of a body which potentially has life

Source

Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 412a20)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'De Anima (On the Soul)', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1986], p.157


A Reaction

To understand what Aristotle means by 'form' you must, I'm afraid, read the 'Metaphysics'. Form isn't shape, but rather the essence which bestows the individual identity on the thing. 'Psuche is the essence of man' might be a better slogan.