Philosophy Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2010
Publication Source
Archiv für Geschichte der Philosophie
Abstract
Themistius's (ca. 317-ca. 388 C.E.) paraphrase of the De Anima is an influential and important work; however, it is not now regarded as profound or original and thereby sutTers from neglect. I argue that Themistius is misunderstood on the matter of Aristotle's productive and potential intellects. It is commonly held that Themistius gives to the productive intellect the role of illuminating images in order to produce universal thoughts In the potential intellect with epistemic certainty. I argue that Themistius's productive intellect does not transform images to reveal the forms contained therein, but gives to the potential intellect the ability, first, to organize our sense-experiences in the course of acquiring rudimentary universal concepts and, then, to discover the forms of things by ordinary discursive thinking.
Inclusive pages
215-235
ISBN/ISSN
0003-9101
Document Version
Published Version
Copyright
Copyright © 2010, Walter de Gruyter
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter
Volume
92
Issue
3
Peer Reviewed
yes
eCommons Citation
Gabbe, Myrna, "Themistius on Concept Acquisition and Knowledge of Essences" (2010). Philosophy Faculty Publications. 98.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/phl_fac_pub/98
Comments
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