The Thomistic Institute
Sizeless Stretchable Souls: Substantial Form as Nature in Aquinas | Fr. Stephen Brock
Apr 23, 2024
Fr. Stephen Brock, a theologian specializing in St. Thomas Aquinas' philosophy, discusses the concept of substantial form, unity, and immateriality in philosophical thought. He explores how substantial form unifies a body's parts, delves into the metaphysical aspects of nature and essence, and reflects on testing Aquinas's theories through empirical methods.
01:08:58
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Quick takeaways
- Essence is the being, nature is the order towards activity, not all essences are natures due to mobility.
- Physical substance's essence includes form and matter, emphasizing form as substantial.
Deep dives
Distinction Between Essence and Nature by St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas elaborates on the meanings of essence and nature, defining essence as the entity's being and nature as having an order towards proper activity. While natures of physical substances align with their essences, not all essences qualify as natures due to mobility considerations. The essence of a physical substance typically comprises its form and matter, primarily emphasizing the form.
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