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Single Idea 16107

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 4. Real Definition ]

Full Idea

In some instances the account of the what-it-was-to-be-that-thing contains the parts of the thing defined and in others not.

Gist of Idea

Sometimes parts must be mentioned in definitions of essence, and sometimes not

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1037a22)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.209


A Reaction

This is helpful in understanding what an essence is supposed to be. I take it to be sometimes a structure, with parts, and sometimes more like a guiding principle, more abstract in character.