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Single Idea 12362

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / d. Substance defined ]

Full Idea

The substance of each thing ...is the primary cause of being for it.

Gist of Idea

A thing's substance is its primary cause of being

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1041b27)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.229


A Reaction

Wedin says that here Aristotle announces this 'with finality'. This is 'for each thing', and hence is essence at the level of the individual, not of the kind. Identifying the 'cause of being' of a thing is taken to be its best possible explanation.