Single Idea 16101

[catalogued under 7. Existence / B. Change in Existence / 1. Nature of Change]

Full Idea

When a change occurs in the qualities [pathesi] and is accidental [sumbebekos], there is alteration (rather than true change).

Gist of Idea

A change in qualities is mere alteration, not true change

Source

Aristotle (Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) [c.335 BCE], 317a27)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.478


A Reaction

[tr. partly Gill] Aristotle doesn't seem to have a notion of 'properties' in quite our sense. 'Pathe' seems to mean experienced qualities, rather than genuine causal powers. Gill says 'pathe' are always accidental.

Related Idea

Idea 16100 True change is in a thing's logos or its matter, not in its qualities [Aristotle]