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Single Idea 15779

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility ]

Full Idea

The potential occurs when it is not necessary that its contrary be false. For example, it is potential that a man should be seated, since it is not false of necessity that he is not seated.

Gist of Idea

Possibility is when the necessity of the contrary is false

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1019b26)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.133


A Reaction

This is the standard point in modal logic that possibly is equivalent to not-necessarily-not (◊p → ¬□¬p).