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Single Idea 16164

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / a. Hylomorphism ]

Full Idea

The forms of sensible substances are not pure actualities; they in part are constituted by unrealized possibilities and in that sense are not fully real.

Gist of Idea

Forms of sensible substances include unrealised possibilities, so are not fully actual

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], Z) by Michael Frede - Aristotle's Conception of Metaphysics p.90

Book Reference

Frede,Michael: 'Essays in Ancient Philosophy' [University of Minnesota 1987], p.90


A Reaction

Frede suggests that the form of the Unmoved Mover is the ideal case, because it is fully actual. I like the present idea, because it includes modal truths (i.e. dispositions and powers) in the form which gives a thing its nature.