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Single Idea 12301

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 3. Matter of an Object ]

Full Idea

Everything has a sort of matter [hule], provided only that it is not a what-it-was-to-be-that-thing [ti en einai] and a per se Form Itself [eidos auto kath' auto] but a possessor of thisness [tode ti].

Gist of Idea

Every distinct thing has matter, as long as it isn't an essence or a Form

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1037a01)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.208


A Reaction

Kit Fine quotes this to support the claim that Aristotelian 'matter' is not confined to physical objects. Aristotle's essence is the form which imposes identity on the matter.

Related Idea

Idea 12300 Aristotle's conception of matter applies to non-physical objects as well as physical objects [Aristotle, by Fine,K]