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Single Idea 12360

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 4. Real Definition ]

Full Idea

Met. Z.10-11 is committed to the complexity of form and suggests that the complexity is expressed in definitions that articulate, in the case of 'man', the salient faculties and functions, and none of these need mention 'man'.

Gist of Idea

Definitions need the complex features of form, and don't need to mention the category

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1034b20-1037b) by Michael V. Wedin - Aristotle's Theory of Substance X.5

Book Reference

Wedin,Michael V.: 'Aristotle's Theory of Substance' [OUP 2000], p.427


A Reaction

This is a very strong statement of the view that identifying genus and species are not at all what Aristotle wants in his final account of essence. The features mentioned here would, though, clearly count as 'differentiae'.