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Single Idea 14544

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 4. Potentiality ]

Full Idea

The possession of a potentiality just is the possession of a potentiality to act, and such a potentiality is not unconditional but depends on the obtaining of propitious circumstances, which includes the satisfaction of a ceteris paribus condition.

Gist of Idea

Potentialities are always for action, but are conditional on circumstances

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1048a18)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.264


A Reaction

This seems to be pretty exactly what we mean by a 'power', as something which requires no other driving force, but which only expresses itself with the endless complexity of the rest of nature.