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Single Idea 16117

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 11. Essence of Artefacts ]

Full Idea

There is a critical line to be drawn between those entities whose active source of maintenance is internal and those whose source is external. This is the chief line that Aristotle draws between organisms and artefacts.

Gist of Idea

The hallmark of an artefact is that its active source of maintenance is external

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Mary Louise Gill - Aristotle on Substance Ch.7

Book Reference

Gill,Mary Louise: 'Aristotle on Substance: Paradox of Unity' [Princeton 1989], p.213


A Reaction

Plants need water and sunlight, so I'm not sure that this marks the line quite clearly enough.