21/11/2023 : Taylor Pincin (Columbia University), “How Aristotelian Forms can be Simple and Complex”

The Method, Theory, Realityspeaker series has an upcoming talk. MTR is a speaker series focused on philosophy of science, epistemology, and metaphysics, which showcases work from early career philosophers. The next talk is this coming Tuesday, November 21st, from 4:30 – 6:30pm (EST)

Abstract:  There appears to be a tension between two key aspects of the way Aristotle conceived of form (eidos). On the one hand, form is meant to serve as the unifying principle of matter-form compounds, and in order to fulfill this role, Aristotle seems to think that form itself must be simple, where minimally, this involves being incomposite in some sense. On the other hand, Aristotle is committed to the view that forms are definable, not just nominally, but really. But it is generally true that things with real definitions are complex in some sense; they can be analyzed into further entities. For example, it is generally agreed that the real definition of water is H2O, and water quite literally can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen. In this paper, I tease apart two distinct ways of being complex and simple such that Aristotle can retain his commitment to the simplicity of form while also maintaining that they are complex in that they have real definitions. Zoom Link: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/97104298616
Meeting ID: 971 0429 8616