| Re: Paradox of Potential popped Aware. -
11-15-2007, 04:34 PM
Well PPA I have to admit I'm a bit confused I'm more Aristotlean in my beliefs regarding potentiality, in that there has to be something actual first. Whether it be God, man or matter.
According to Aristotle, actuality is prior to potentiality, in that potentiality can only occur if there is some actually existing thing which is capable of becoming another thing. There must be an actual potentiality for an event to occur if its potentiality is to become an actuality.
Aristotle also says that eternal or imperishable things are prior in substance and in being to perishable things, because eternal things have no beginning or end. Non-eternal or perishable things have a beginning and an end.
Furthermore, essential causes and principles are prior to accidental causes and principles. Events cannot happen accidentally unless there are essential reasons or principles while allow them to happen that way.
Aristotle explains that while physics (or natural science) is concerned with things which are ‘movable’ or ‘changeable,’ metaphysics is concerned with things which are ‘immovable’ or ‘unchangeable.’ Metaphysics is a ‘first philosophy’ in that it is concerned with defining the nature of being, while the other branches of science and philosophy are concerned with defining the classes (genera and species) of being. So I would require further elucidation regarding this esoteric mattter before I comment further. Sorry PPA and best to all, Pat |