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Single Idea 12611

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 2. Nature of Necessity ]

Full Idea

Necessity is what makes it impossible for something to be other than it is.

Gist of Idea

Necessity makes alternatives impossible

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1015b03)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.120


A Reaction

Note that necessity here seems like an active force, rather than a mere description of a logical or metaphysical state of affairs. The underlying idea seems to be that essences enforce necessities, but it doesn't say that here.