LessonsOrigination of Accidents and Substances: Premises, Objections and RepliesQuiz

The possibility of an entity without spatial location is not identical to its actual existence. The text challenges the completeness of philosophical arguments for immaterial entities.

“An incorporeal intellect can be conceived” is one claim; “an incorporeal intellect exists outside thought” is another. A universal conclusion about all actual entities must not silently import the second from the first.

Conversely, anyone denying such an entity must distinguish lack of direct sensory observation from a reasoned criticism of the offered demonstration.

Opening interactive controls...

Possibility versus actuality of immaterial entities

Origination of Accidents and Substances: Premises, Objections and Replies

The possibility of an entity without spatial location is not identical to its actual existence. The text challenges the completeness of philosophical arguments for immaterial entities.

“An incorporeal intellect can be conceived” is one claim; “an incorporeal intellect exists outside thought” is another. A universal conclusion about all actual entities must not silently import the second from the first.

Conversely, anyone denying such an entity must distinguish lack of direct sensory observation from a reasoned criticism of the offered demonstration.