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Single Idea 12263

[from 'Topics' by Aristotle, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 5. Genus and Differentia ]

Full Idea

A 'genus' is that which is predicated in the category of essence of several things which differ in kind.

Gist of Idea

'Genus' is part of the essence shared among several things

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 102a32)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Foster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.283


A Reaction

Hence a genus is likely to be expressed by a universal, a one-over-many. A particular will be a highly individual collection of various genera, but what ensures the uniqueness of each thing, if they are indiscernible?