Prime matter and forma corporeitatis in Albert the Great’s physics

Abstract

Albert the Great’s physics is based on a matter that cannot be defined as pure potentiality as it wouldn’t be possible to explain the continuity and teleology of every substantial change. This is why, there are some indeterminate quantitative dimensions that make matter divisible and allow it to support substantial form in the natural motion. These dimensions represent the presence of a first form in matter, which is called forma corporeitatis and which makes matter become an actual reality and a reality that does not depend on substantial form.

Keywords

• Alberto Magno
• física
• materia primera
• dimensiones indeterminatae
• forma corporeitatis