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Single Idea 592

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

Full Idea

Philosophers have endlessly discussed and been baffled by the question 'What is that which is?' Now this question just is the question 'What is substance (ousia)?'

Gist of Idea

The baffling question of what exists is asking about the nature of substance

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1028b04)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.168


A Reaction

Vasilis Politis says 'ousia' is 'primary being'. 'Substance' is a theory about the nature of primary being.