Aristotle and One(το `εν) : Doctrine of Unity in Aristotle

Abstract

One of the most basic metaphysical doctrines is the "Oneness". We are, in this paper, coming to introduce this doctrine in Aristotle; and, so, at first, we mention basic differences between him and his formers, and distinguish Aristotle's "multiple" view from their "monistic" view. Then, counting the meanings of "one" in common Greek language, we receive to two kinds of oneness: material and formal. We will see that perfection, oneness, and form are parallel to potentiality, multiplicity, and matter; and oneness, in its foremost sense, is the formal "one", not material; and this formal "one" is the principle of individuality. Finally, we will see that how immovable movers, and most of all the first immovable mover, are abstract individuals and the first "Ones".

Keywords

• one
• being
• substance (ousia)
• form
• idea
• self consistent
• substratum (hupokeimenon)
• individuality
• perfection
• immovable mover
• first mover