Accidental Change

Definition

Accidental change refers to a type of change that does not affect the essence or fundamental nature of a substance. In Aristotelian metaphysics, this concept highlights how certain attributes or qualities can change while the underlying substance remains the same, illustrating the distinction between form and matter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Accidental changes can include alterations in color, size, shape, or other properties without affecting what the substance fundamentally is.
2. These changes are contrasted with substantial changes, which do alter the essence of a substance, like a tree becoming a log after being cut down.
3. In everyday life, accidental change can be observed when a person dyes their hair or gains weight; they still remain the same person.
4. Aristotle's analysis of accidental change helps clarify how we can talk about identity and persistence over time despite changes in characteristics.
5. Understanding accidental change is crucial for grasping how form and matter interact within Aristotle's broader metaphysical framework.

Review Questions

• How does accidental change differ from substantial change in Aristotelian metaphysics?
  • Accidental change differs from substantial change in that it only affects non-essential qualities of a substance. For example, when an apple turns red or green, it undergoes an accidental change; its essential nature as an apple remains intact. In contrast, if an apple is transformed into applesauce, this is a substantial change because it alters the very essence of the original substance.
• Discuss how understanding accidental change can enhance our comprehension of identity and persistence in substances.
  • Understanding accidental change enhances our comprehension of identity and persistence by showing that a substance can retain its identity despite changes in non-essential attributes. For instance, when someone gains or loses weight, their identity as that person persists even though their physical appearance may vary. This insight illustrates how substances are defined by their core essence (form) rather than merely by their changing characteristics (accidental properties).
• Evaluate the implications of accidental change for Aristotle's theories on form and matter, especially in the context of living beings.
  • The implications of accidental change for Aristotle's theories on form and matter are significant, particularly concerning living beings. It allows us to see how living organisms can undergo various changes—like aging or healing—while maintaining their essential identity as specific organisms. This evaluation reinforces the idea that form (the essence of a living being) endures through various accidental changes in matter (the physical aspects), showcasing the dynamic relationship between these two fundamental concepts in Aristotelian metaphysics.

Related terms

Substance:

A fundamental entity that exists independently and is characterized by its form and matter.

Form: The essence or nature of a thing that gives it its identity, as opposed to its material composition.

Matter:

The physical substance or material out of which a thing is made, which, when combined with form, constitutes a complete substance.