16776
|
Substance is an intrinsic thing, so parts of substances can't also be intrinsic things [Duns Scotus]
|
|
Full Idea:
Substance ...is an ens per se. No part of a substance is an ens per se when it is part of a substance, because then it would be a particular thing, and one substance would be a particular thing from many things, which does not seem to be true.
|
|
From:
John Duns Scotus (In Praed. [1300], 15.1), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 26.1
|
|
A reaction:
The tricky bit is 'when it is a part of a substance', meaning a substance must cease to be a substance when it is subsumed into some greater substance. Maybe. Drops of water? Molecules? Bricks? Cells?
|
19347
|
Substance needs independence, unity, and stability (for individuation); also it is a subject, for predicates [Perkins]
|
|
Full Idea:
For individuation, substance needs three properties: independence, to separate it from other things; unity, to call it one thing, rather than an aggregate; and permanence or stability over time. Its other role is as subject for predicates.
|
|
From:
Franklin Perkins (Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed [2007], 3.1)
|
|
A reaction:
Perkins is describing the Aristotelian view, which is taken up by Leibniz. 'Substance' is not a controversial idea, if we see that it only means that the world is full of 'things'. It is an unusual philosopher wholly totally denies that.
|
11248
|
Necessary truths can be two-way relational, where essential truths are one-way or intrinsic [Politis]
|
|
Full Idea:
An essence is true in virtue of what the thing is in itself, but a necessary truth may be relational, as the consequence of the relation between two things and their essence. The necessary relation may be two-way, but the essential relation one-way.
|
|
From:
Vassilis Politis (Aristotle and the Metaphysics [2004], 2.3)
|
|
A reaction:
He is writing about Aristotle, but has in mind Kit Fine 1994 (qv). Politis cites Plato's answer to the Euthyphro Question as a good example. The necessity comes from the intrinsic nature of goodness/piety, not from the desire of the gods.
|