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Single Idea 12359

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 10. Essence as Species ]

Full Idea

Although what-is-it [ti esti] questions serve the classificatory project in 'Categories', they are no help in the causal enquiries of 'Metaphysics' Z.17. The essence of interest can't be the species or the differentia-cum-genus complex.

Gist of Idea

'Categories' answers 'what?' with species, genus, differerentia; 'Met.' Z.17 seeks causal essence

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1041a05-b36) by Michael V. Wedin - Aristotle's Theory of Substance X.4

Book Reference

Wedin,Michael V.: 'Aristotle's Theory of Substance' [OUP 2000], p.421


A Reaction

Wedin's view is that these are compatible. The implication is that the nature of essence depends entirely on what it is you want to explain. Explain the category, or explain the behaviour?