Abstract
Chapter 2 sets out notions that will be useful in trying to understand Zeta—including Aristotle’s uses of ‘substance’ (ousia), his notion of essence, ways in which something can be primary, kath’ hauto and kata sumbebēkos predication, and what is katholou (universal). It also briefly describes Aristotelian dialectic and the employment it might have in Zeta.
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Notes
- 1.
See also Meta Δ.8 1017b21–23, where Aristotle says that a thing’s essence is its substance.
- 2.
According to Burnyeat (2001, 40), ‘primary’ is always said in relation to a definite series.
- 3.
Kath’ hauto predication will receive further discussion in section ‘IV. Kath’ Hauto and Kata Sumbebēkos Predication’.
- 4.
- 5.
This point receives further discussion in Chap. 8.
- 6.
In Post Analytics I.2 and I.10, Aristotle says that definitions that are formulae of the essences of objects that fall within the subject matter of a science are among the first principles from which demonstrations in that science proceed (72a19 –23, 76b3–10, and 12–15). These include demonstrations of properties idion to things whose definitions are first principles of that science. This makes what is predicated of these things kath’ hauto explanatorily prior to what is idion to them.
- 7.
See also Meta Δ.30 1025a14–15.
- 8.
I owe this point to Sandra Peterson.
- 9.
- 10.
- 11.
Recently, there has been a rising interest in developing a neo-Aristotelian metaphysics. For some examples, see Koslicki (2013). Although my interest in Z is primarily historical, what I say in connection with it may be of some interest to those involved in this project.
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Dahl, N.O. (2019). Background Considerations. In: Substance in Aristotle's Metaphysics Zeta. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22161-4_2
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