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Single Idea 16135

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / k. Explanations by essence ]

Full Idea

Real enquiries stand revealed as causal enquiries (and the cause is the what-it-was-to-be-that-thing [to ti en einai]).

Gist of Idea

Real enquiries seek causes, and causes are essences

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1041a28)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.228


A Reaction

As good a quotation as any for showing that Aristotelian essences exist entirely by their role in explanation.