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Single Idea 22505

[from 'Eudemian Ethics' by Aristotle, in 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 6. Necessity from Essence ]

Full Idea

If it is necessary that, if a triangle contains two right angles, that a quadrilateral has four, it is clear that the cause of this is that a triangle has two.

Gist of Idea

The two right angles of a triangle necessitate that a quadrilateral has four

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1222b31)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.21


A Reaction

We would not normally use the word 'cause' for this, but 'necessitates' seems to fit, and I like the word 'determines' (because it can be both physical and abstract). An example of what I think of as an Aristotelian necessity maker.