Single Idea 12250

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 4. Potentiality]

Full Idea

The fundamental thesis of real essentialism is that every finite material body has a twofold composition, being a compound of act and potency. ...Reality can take on new kinds of existence because there is a principle of potentiality inherent in reality.

Gist of Idea

Bodies have act and potency, the latter explaining new kinds of existence

Source

David S. Oderberg (Real Essentialism [2007], 4.1)

Book Reference

Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.63


A Reaction

I take from this remark that the 'powers' discussed by Molnar and other scientific essentialists is roughly the same as 'potentiality' identified by Aristotle.