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Single Idea 16118

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 7. Existence / B. Change in Existence / 1. Nature of Change ]

Full Idea

Nature [phusis] is in the same genus as dunamis [power/potential], for it is an active principle of change, but not in another thing but in the thing itself qua itself.

Gist of Idea

Nature is an active principle of change, like potentiality, but it is intrinsic to things

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1049a09)

Book Reference

Gill,Mary Louise: 'Aristotle on Substance: Paradox of Unity' [Princeton 1989], p.272


A Reaction

[Gill's translation; Lawson-Tancred refers to 'A nature' rather than 'nature', which implies an essence]. It seems like phusis is intrinsic, and dunamis is relational. Two sorts of power?

Related Idea

Idea 16113 Potentiality is a principle of change, in another thing, or as another thing [Aristotle]