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16740 | A power is not a cause, but an aptitude for a cause [Zabarella] |
Full Idea: A power is not the cause of an operation, but only the cause's aptitude for operating. | |
From: Jacob Zabarella (De rebus naturalibus [1590], De fac anim 4:col 692), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 23.5 | |
A reaction: His example is the power of running, which is actually caused by the soul (or whatever), which generates the power. A power is a very superficial thing. |