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Single Idea 16687

[from 'Summa Theologicae' by Thomas Aquinas, in 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 7. Later Matter Theories / c. Matter as extension ]

Full Idea

Bodies are those substances in which one finds three dimensions.

Gist of Idea

Bodies are three-dimensional substances

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], Ia Q18.2c), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 16.2

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.324


A Reaction

Pasnau points out that this extensional view of physical bodies was a commonplace long before Descartes. Presumably there are also non-dimensional substances (such as angels?).