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Single Idea 12101

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 12. Origin as Essential ]

Full Idea

Properties of origin are not essential for Aristotle, because he determines what is essential not by reflecting on the identity of an individual, but by considering how to define the individual.

Gist of Idea

Aristotle wants definition, not identity, so origin is not essential to him

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], id) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle 6.2

Book Reference

Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.189


A Reaction

[see also Idea 12102] This spells out my intuition, or rather my understanding of the normal usage of the word 'essence'. You can fully know the essence of something (e.g. a person), while having no knowledge of the origin.

Related Idea

Idea 12102 Essential properties of origin are too radically individual for an Aristotelian essence [Witt]