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Single Idea 16109

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / d. Form as unifier ]

Full Idea

The problem of unity disappears if our account is adopted. We allow a matter component and a shape/form component, one existing potentially the other in actuality. …The account is of a unity because one component is material, the other shape/form.

Gist of Idea

Things are a unity because there is no clash between potential matter and actual shape/form

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1045a24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.249


A Reaction

It sounds as though the solution is that matter is material and form is abstract, so there is no rivalry. Elsewhere form seems more like a mechanism or a set of powers.

Related Idea

Idea 16108 If men exist by participating in two forms (Animal and Biped), they are plural, not unities [Aristotle]