The Substance: A Deep Dive Into The Concept

Origin

The substance is a philosophical concept that refers to the underlying essence or fundamental nature of something. It is often contrasted with the concept of accidents, which are the non-essential properties of something.

Aristotle's Definition

Aristotle, a 4th century BC Greek philosopher, was a prominent figure in the development of the concept of substance. According to Aristotle, a substance is that which exists in itself and not in something else. He also distinguished between two types of substances: primary substances and secondary substances. Primary substances are individual entities, such as Socrates or this table. Secondary substances are properties or qualities of primary substances, such as beauty or intelligence.

Primary Substances

Aristotle believed that primary substances are the most fundamental type of substance. They are the building blocks of the universe and cannot be reduced to anything else. Primary substances are also characterized by their ability to act and be acted upon.

Secondary Substances

Secondary substances are those that depend on primary substances for their existence. They are not able to exist independently of primary substances. Secondary substances are often used to describe the properties or qualities of primary substances.

Locke's Definition

John Locke, a 17th century English philosopher, offered a different definition of substance. According to Locke, a substance is that which supports or underlies a collection of properties. Locke believed that we can never know the true nature of substance, but we can only know its properties.

Kant's Definition

Immanuel Kant, an 18th century German philosopher, also contributed to the development of the concept of substance. Kant argued that the substance is not something that can be known in itself, but only through its effects. Kant also distinguished between two types of substances: phenomenal substance and noumenal substance.

Phenomenal Substance

Phenomenal substance is the substance as it appears to us through our senses. It is the substance of the everyday world, the substance of tables and chairs and trees. Phenomenal substance is characterized by its properties, such as shape, size, and weight.

Noumenal Substance

Noumenal substance is the substance as it is in itself, apart from our senses. It is the true nature of substance, the substance that underlies the phenomenal world. Noumenal substance is unknowable to us, but it is the true ground of all reality.

Conclusion

The concept of substance is a complex and multifaceted one. It has been the subject of debate and discussion for centuries. However, despite the different definitions and interpretations, the concept of substance remains a fundamental part of our understanding of the world.