Single Idea 4068

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance]

Full Idea

The traditional concept of substance says substances bear properties which are distinct from them, and substances are capable of independent existence.

Clarification

'Substance' originates with Plato and Aristotle, and is the basis of identity

Gist of Idea

Traditional substance is separate from properties and capable of independent existence

Source

Tim Crane (Elements of Mind [2001], 2.9)

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.35


A Reaction

Put like that, it sounds ridiculous as a physical theory. It is hard to dislodge substance, though, from a priori human metaphysics.