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Single Idea 16144

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 10. Essence as Species ]

Full Idea

If 'man' and any other item similarly specified is a substance, then none of the contents of the account of man is a substance of anything. 'Animal', for instance, does not exist over and above particular animals.

Gist of Idea

Genera are not substances, and do not exist apart from the ingredient species

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1038b31)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.217


A Reaction

[I think 'particular animals' refers to species, not individuals, here] I take it as self-evident that this implies that species do not exist, apart from the individuals that consitute them.