The Ontological Foundation of Possibility: An Aristotelian Approach Cover Image

The Ontological Foundation of Possibility: An Aristotelian Approach
The Ontological Foundation of Possibility: An Aristotelian Approach

Author(s): Petr Dvořák
Subject(s): Ancient Philosphy, Ontology
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: Possibility; possible worlds; Aristotelian; necessary beány;

Summary/Abstract: The article introduces and defends Aristotelian ontological theory of the possible as that which a power (active potency) is capable of bringing about. It regards this conception to be a sort of middle way between Platonic explanation based on abstracta on one hand and the possibilist theory ultimately making everything possible into actual on the other. The doctrine defended leads to the conception of necessary being. Combined with other assumptions concerning this being, there arise some interesting issues and apparent tensions to be resolved. The article outlines some of the discussions related to these problems in medieval and early modern Scholasticism.

  • Issue Year: 14/2007
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 72-83
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English