Single Idea 11289

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / b. Aims of explanation]

Full Idea

Understanding moves from things less intelligible by nature to things more so.

Gist of Idea

Understanding moves from the less to the more intelligible

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1029b02)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.176


A Reaction

The interesting phrase is 'by nature'. Whether things are intelligible or not is a feature of the natural world, and not just a feature of the mind's capacities.