As an expert in the field of philosophy, particularly in the area of metaphysics where the concepts of matter and form are central, I'm delighted to delve into a detailed explanation of these fundamental concepts. Let's start by defining and exploring the terms in English before moving on to the translation.
Matter is the physical substance that constitutes the universe and all that it contains. It is what makes up the tangible world around us. In the context of Aristotle's philosophy, matter is often referred to as the "prime matter," which is the most basic and undifferentiated form of matter. It is the raw material that underlies all change and is the potential for all forms.
Form, on the other hand, is the particular structure, arrangement, or essence that gives an object its specific characteristics. It is what makes a thing what it is. In Aristotelian terms, form is the actualization of the potential inherent in matter. It is the blueprint or pattern that determines the nature of a substance.
Aristotle's view on Substance is that it is a combination of both matter and form. He believed that every physical object is a substance, which is a unity of matter and form. For Aristotle, the matter is the "stuff" that persists through change, while the form is what gives it its identity and allows it to be recognized as a particular thing.
To illustrate this with an example, consider the creation of a house. The bricks, boards, and other materials are the matter. They are the raw materials that are available to be shaped into something. When these materials are arranged according to a certain plan and given a specific form, such as the architectural design of a house, they become a house. The matter remains the same (bricks and boards), but the form changes, and thus, the substance (the house) comes into being.
Aristotle's theory of matter and form is a cornerstone of his hylomorphic theory, which posits that all objects in the natural world are a combination of matter and form. This theory is essential for understanding his broader metaphysical system and his explanations of change, causation, and the nature of existence.
It's important to note that while Aristotle's ideas have been foundational, they have also been subject to various interpretations and criticisms over the centuries. His concepts of matter and form have influenced many areas of philosophy, including ontology, epistemology, and ethics, and continue to be discussed and debated today.
Now, let's move on to the translation of the above explanation into Chinese.

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Aristotle on Substance, Matter, and Form. Matter underlies and persists through substantial changes. A substance is generated (destroyed) by having matter take on (lose) form. A house is created when bricks, boards, etc., are put together according to a certain plan and arranged in a certain form.Jul 9, 2002read more >>