Substance

Definition

In the context of Aristotelian science and cosmology, 'substance' refers to that which exists independently and serves as the fundamental reality underlying all things. It is central to Aristotle's philosophy, as it distinguishes between the essence of objects and their accidental properties, ultimately defining what something is versus what it has.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Aristotelian thought, substances can be categorized as primary substances (individual entities like a specific person or tree) and secondary substances (the species or genus to which those entities belong).
2. Substance is considered to have both a material aspect (what something is made of) and a formal aspect (the essence that defines its identity).
3. Aristotle argued that changes in properties do not change the substance itself, emphasizing that substance remains constant while its accidents can vary.
4. Understanding substance was crucial for Aristotle in differentiating between the physical world and abstract concepts, paving the way for later philosophical discussions on ontology.
5. In Aristotelian cosmology, substances are believed to have a hierarchy, with celestial substances being more perfect than terrestrial ones, reflecting a greater degree of form and less matter.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle differentiate between primary and secondary substances, and why is this distinction important?
  • Aristotle differentiates primary substances as individual entities, such as a particular person or horse, while secondary substances refer to the species or genus these individuals belong to. This distinction is important because it helps clarify how we understand the identity and categorization of objects in the world. By recognizing both individual instances and their broader classifications, Aristotle provides a framework for discussing not just what things are but also how they relate to one another within a larger system.
• Discuss how the concepts of form and matter relate to the idea of substance in Aristotelian philosophy.
  • In Aristotelian philosophy, substance is understood through the relationship between form and matter. Form refers to the essential characteristics that define an object’s identity, while matter is the physical material from which it is made. Together, they create a complete understanding of substance, where form gives purpose and identity to matter. This duality emphasizes that an object cannot be fully understood without considering both its material composition and its defining characteristics.
• Evaluate the implications of Aristotle's concept of substance for later philosophical thought, especially regarding the nature of reality.
  • Aristotle's concept of substance laid foundational ideas for later philosophical inquiries into ontology and metaphysics by asserting that substances are the fundamental building blocks of reality. His emphasis on distinguishing between essence and accidents influenced thinkers throughout history, prompting debates about what constitutes true existence versus mere appearance. This inquiry led to significant developments in Western philosophy, particularly during the medieval period with scholasticism, where scholars like Aquinas integrated Aristotelian thought into theological discussions on existence and being.

Related terms

Form: The essential characteristics or qualities that define a substance, according to Aristotle, which gives it its identity and purpose.

Matter: The physical substance or material of which an object is made, distinct from its form in Aristotelian philosophy.

Essence: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially in defining what makes a substance what it fundamentally is.