Unity, Identity and Explanation in Aristotle's "Metaphysics" - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199244413 ISBN 13: 9780199244416

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 2001

Synopsis

This volume presents fourteen new essays by leading figures in the fields of ancient philosophy and contemporary metaphysics, discussing Aristotle's theory of the unity of substances. This topic remains at the centre of metaphysical enquiry. The contributors examine the nature of essences, how they differ from other components of substance, and how they are related to these other components. The central questions discussed here are: What does Aristotle mean by 'potentiality' and 'actuality'? How do these concepts explicate matter and form, and how are they related to the actuality of substance? What is the role of matter and form in accounting for the unity, identity, and individuation of substances? These questions are crucial to an understanding of the unity of composite substances and their identity over time. The aim of the volume is both exegetical and philosophical: to address central issues in Aristotle's Metaphysics, and to stimulate further investigation of the problems and controversies that arise from these.

About this title

Review

Most of the articles are forward-looking, concerned to tease out new problems and explore fresh responses. (Victor Caston, Philosophical Quarterly)

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199244413
• ISBN 13: 9780199244416
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 392
• Editor: Scaltsas Theodore, Charles David, Gill Mary Louise