Substance

Definition

Substance refers to that which exists independently and has a definite identity, serving as the foundational reality behind objects or phenomena. In philosophical discourse, it is often considered the essence of a thing, encompassing both its inherent nature and its existence. This concept is central to understanding various metaphysical arguments about what constitutes reality, particularly in the works of influential thinkers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Aristotle's framework, substances are individual entities that exist independently, like a specific tree or a particular person, while everything else is considered a property or accident of those substances.
2. Aquinas builds upon Aristotle's ideas by integrating them with Christian theology, arguing that God is the ultimate substance and the cause of all other substances.
3. Substance can be understood through two aspects: primary substances (individuals) and secondary substances (the species or genera they belong to).
4. In Scholastic thought, discussions around substance often focus on the distinction between substance and accident, emphasizing that while accidents can change, the substance remains constant.
5. The notion of substance raises questions about identity and change; philosophers often grapple with how something can remain the same substance over time while undergoing various changes.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle's definition of substance differ from Aquinas's interpretation within a theological context?
  • Aristotle defines substance as a concrete individual entity that exists independently, focusing on tangible items like a specific tree or animal. In contrast, Aquinas interprets substance within a theological framework, asserting that God is the ultimate substance from which all other substances derive. This shift from a purely naturalistic view to one that includes divine influence highlights the different philosophical priorities between Aristotle and Aquinas.
• Discuss the relationship between substance and accidents in Aristotelian philosophy and its implications for understanding identity.
  • In Aristotelian philosophy, substance represents what an object fundamentally is, while accidents are properties that can change without altering the essence of the substance. For example, a tree may lose its leaves (an accident) but remains a tree (the substance). This relationship underscores important implications for understanding identity; it suggests that true identity is tied to what remains constant (the substance) amidst changes in characteristics or attributes (the accidents).
• Evaluate how the concept of substance influences contemporary debates in metaphysics regarding existence and reality.
  • The concept of substance continues to play a pivotal role in contemporary metaphysical debates about existence and reality. Philosophers often engage with questions surrounding what constitutes a substance—whether physical entities, abstract objects, or even events. This discourse influences various theories such as materialism and idealism, as thinkers explore how substances relate to properties and whether substances can exist independently from our perceptions. As such, understanding historical perspectives on substance allows for deeper insights into modern philosophical discussions about what it means for something to truly exist.

Related terms

Essence: Essence is the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character, often tied closely to the idea of substance in metaphysics.

Accident:

Accident refers to properties or characteristics of a substance that can change without altering its fundamental identity, such as color or size.

Ontology: Ontology is the branch of philosophy that studies concepts of being, existence, and the nature of reality, closely examining the role of substances in these discussions.