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Single Idea 15852

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 8. Parts of Objects / b. Sums of parts ]

Full Idea

In the case of a quantity that has a beginning, a middle and an end, there are those instances in which the order does not create a differentia, which are said to be 'sums', and those is which it does, which are said to be 'wholes'.

Gist of Idea

A 'whole' (rather than a mere 'sum') requires an internal order which distinguishes it

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1024a01-5)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.146


A Reaction

This is the reason why Aristotle is so much better than the run-of-the-mill naïve modern metaphysician.