Single Idea 12058

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / a. Greek matter]

Full Idea

Aristotle's conception of matter permits any kind of matter to become any other kind of matter.

Gist of Idea

Aristotle's matter can become any other kind of matter

Source

report of Aristotle (works [c.330 BCE]) by David Wiggins - Substance 4.11.2

Book Reference

'Philosophy: a Guide Through the Subject', ed/tr. Grayling,A.C. [OUP 1995], p.235


A Reaction

This is obviously crucial background information when we read Aristotle on matter. Our 92+ elements, and fixed fundamental particles, gives a quite different picture. Aristotle would discuss form and matter quite differently now.