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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/15781
Title: | The Aporia of Essence in Aristotle's Metaphysics |
Authors: | Maclean, Duncan |
Advisor: | Hitchcock, David |
Department: | Philosophy |
Keywords: | solution, fourteenth puzzle, Aristotle's metaphysics, naturalized, essenses, substance is particular, knowledge is of universals, law of contradiction |
Publication Date: | Jun-2003 |
Abstract: | This thesis proposes a solution to the fourteenth puzzle stated in Aristotle's Metaphysics Book 3, Chapter 6. For the most part I rely on Metaphysics Books 7 and 8 to find a solution and I treat the essences of natural beings in the context of a naturalized metaphysics. I conclude that essences are at once particular and universal. What is novel about my solution is that it allows Aristotle to maintain three important theses: (1) substance is particular, (2) knowledge is of universals, (3) the law of contradiction. I claim that Aristotle is able to maintain theses 1 and 2 without contradiction by giving matter a significant role to play in the solution. As a secondary task, I evaluate Aristotle's claim that essence is primary substance in the Metaphysics. I conclude that the right to the title of primary substance belongs to the following candidates in this order: sensible substances, essences, matter. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/15781 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Maclean Duncan.pdf | 2.66 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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