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2 ideas
16972 | The four explanations are the main aspects of a thing's nature [Aristotle, by Moravcsik] |
Full Idea: Aristotle sees as the main types of aitia (explanation) those that are also to be construed as the main aspects of the physis (nature) of anything. | |
From: report of Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE]) by Julius Moravcsik - Aristotle on Adequate Explanations 1 | |
A reaction: Interestingly, this suggests that having rejected the Four Causes in favour of the Four Explanations, we might even consider them as the Four Natures, which ties explanation very closely to essence. |
5084 | A thing's nature is what causes its changes and stability [Aristotle] |
Full Idea: The nature of a thing is a certain principle and cause of change and stability in the thing. | |
From: Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 192b20) | |
A reaction: A helpful contribution to the discussion, as most thinkers just boggle when asked to specify the core of something's identity. Aristotle's proposal links identity to causation, which is very appealing to a physical account of all of reality. Cf 5086. |