Substance

Substance is a term used in philosophy and science to refer to the fundamental entities that make up the physical universe. In philosophy, a substance is considered to be a thing that exists by itself and in which properties or qualities inhere. In science, a substance is a form of matter with a constant chemical composition and characteristic properties.

Philosophy

In philosophy, the concept of substance is used to refer to entities that exist independently and have properties or qualities that inhere in them. This concept is central to many philosophical systems, including those of Aristotle, Descartes, and Spinoza.

Aristotle

Aristotle defined substance as the underlying reality of a thing, which is distinct from its properties or attributes. He distinguished between primary substances, which are individual objects, and secondary substances, which are the species or genera to which the objects belong.

Descartes

Descartes used the term substance to refer to anything that exists in such a way that it needs no other entity to exist. He identified two types of substances: thinking substances and extended substances.

Spinoza

Spinoza defined substance as that which exists in itself and is conceived through itself. He argued that there is only one substance, which he identified with God or nature.

Science

In science, a substance is a form of matter with a constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. It cannot be separated into components by physical separation methods.

Chemistry

In chemistry, a substance is a form of matter with a constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. It can be a pure chemical element or a pure chemical compound.

Physics

In physics, a substance is a specific type of matter, characterized by its atomic or molecular structure and its physical and chemical properties.

See also

• Matter
• Chemical substance
• Physical substance

Substance Resources
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