more from Thomas Aquinas

Single Idea 16641

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 8. Properties as Modes]

Full Idea

Whiteness is said to exist not because it subsists in itself, but because by it something has existence-as-white.

Gist of Idea

Whiteness does not exist, but by it something can exist-as-white

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Quodlibeta [1267], IX.2.2), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 10.2

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.184


A Reaction

It seems unavoidable to refer to the whiteness as 'it'. It might be called the 'adverbial' theory of properties, as ways of doing something.