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Single Idea 12251

[from 'Letters to Regius' by René Descartes, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 15. Against Essentialism ]

Full Idea

Clearly no explanation can be given by these substantial forms for any natural action, since their defenders admit that they are occult and that they do not understand them themselves, ...so they explain nothing.

Gist of Idea

Substantial forms are not understood, and explain nothing

Source

René Descartes (Letters to Regius [1642], 1642.01), quoted by David S. Oderberg - Real Essentialism 267 n5

Book Reference

Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.267


A Reaction

[Oderberg gives refs for attack by Locke and Hume, p.66] Descartes' target is Aristotle's hylomorphism. The problem seems to be understanding what Aristotle meant, which is much more than mere 'shape'. More like 'controlling principle'.