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Single Idea 17838

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 1. Unifying an Object / a. Intrinsic unification ]

Full Idea

Among things naturally simple those [may] have unity and priority fully whose processes are relatively indivisible and simple.

Gist of Idea

Things may be naturally unified because they involve an indivisible process

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1052a20)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.286


A Reaction

This is the first of four theories of unity which he offers for discussion. If the process bestows unity, you then have to judge the process as unified. If the indivisibility bestows unity, then things other than processes can be indivisible.