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Single Idea 24058

[from 'De Anima' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance ]

Full Idea

The cause of its being for everything is its substance.

Gist of Idea

The substance is the cause of a thing's being

Source

Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 415b12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'De Anima (on the psuche)', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.27


A Reaction

It sounds as if 'substance' here means essence. We no longer see the cause of something's being as intrinsic to the thing. Only previous causes produce things. The 'form' must be the intrinsic cause of being.