Volume 14, 2008
Medieval Philosophy
Antoine Côté
Pages 21-27
Medieval Philosophy
Simplicius on idoneities
The following paper offers a brief discussion of Simplicius’ intriguing concept of “propensity” (epitedeiotes), an attempt to account for particularized qualities in terms congenial to a Neoplatonist. For although claiming to follow Aristotle, Simplicius ultimately explains the existence of particularized qualities in terms
of a metaphysic of participation. Although his doctrine does not seem not have enjoyed much popularity in Late Antiquity, it will be adopted and expanded upon both late 13th century scholastic authors such as James of Viterbo who see Simplicius’ theory as offering a philosophically rigorous equivalent to Augustinian seminal reasons.