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Single Idea 16142

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 7. Substratum ]

Full Idea

There are two ways of being a substrate [to hupokeimenon], either as possessor of thisness (as the animal is a substrate for its properties) or as matter is a substrate for the actuality.

Gist of Idea

A substrate is either a 'this' supporting qualities, or 'matter' supporting actuality

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1038b05)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.216


A Reaction

A bit confusing, since the possessor of thisness will obviously have what we call 'identity', whereas matter cannot have identity on its own (because it also needs form).