Single Idea 16115

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

Full Idea

Change is the actuality of that which exists potentially, in so far as it is potentially this actuality. Thus, the actuality of a thing's capacity for alteration, in so far as it is a capacity for alteration, is alteration.

Gist of Idea

Change is the implied actuality of that which exists potentially

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 201a10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.57


A Reaction

Not very informative, until you add Idea 16114, telling us that potentiality is best seen as 'power'. Then we have 'all change is the active expression of powers', which strikes me as rather interesting.

Related Idea

Idea 16114 Active 'dunamis' is best translated as 'power' or 'ability' (rather than 'potentiality') [Aristotle, by Gill,ML]