back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 16753

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 4. Powers as Essence ]

Full Idea

Those who propose that a house is 'a receptacle to shelter chattels and living beings', or something of the sort, speak of the actuality.

Gist of Idea

Giving the function of a house defines its actuality

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1043a16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.814


A Reaction

This, with Idea 16752, endorses the idea that the function is the essence of something. The eye is natural, the house is an artifact. This seems different from the concept of form implied elsewhere. He says materials of a house are just potential.

Related Idea

Idea 16752 Sight is the essence of the eye, fitting its definition; the eye itself is just the matter [Aristotle]