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    Carmelics

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    Home/Original/inverse
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    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Aristotle's doctrine of essential properties entails that for Socrates to exist as Socrates, his characteristic rational capacities must be actual.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Socrates in deep sleep lacks actual rational activity yet remains Socrates; actuality isn't required.
      ?

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    • 2.Aristotle distinguishes essence from exercise; essence can persist while capacities lie dormant.
      ?

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    • 3.Identity persists through coma or dementia; actual rationality exercised is not identity-constituting.
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Aristotle defines substance by essential properties that distinguish an entity's nature from accidents.
      ?

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    • 2.Rationality is Socrates' defining characteristic; without it, he becomes merely another animal.
      ?

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    • 3.Actual (not merely potential) capacities constitute being; potentiality alone is incomplete existence.
      ?

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