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Single Idea 12099

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 2. Types of Essence ]

Full Idea

The primary role of essences in Aristotle's theory of substance is causal, rather than classificatory.

Gist of Idea

Aristotelian essences are causal, not classificatory

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle 5.4

Book Reference

Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.179


A Reaction

This is the nicest summary of the view which I wish to champion. Classification results from patterns of causation, just as laws of nature result from regularities in the behaviour of causal powers.

Related Idea

Idea 11188 The Aristotelian view is that the essential properties are those that sort an object [Aristotle, by Marcus (Barcan)]