Note 601 — Chapter V · EMPEDOKLES OF AKRAGAS

Arist. de Gen. Corr. Β, 6. 333 b 21 (R. P. 168 e); Met. Β, 4. 1000 a 29 (R. P. 166 i). Cf. Simpl. Phys. p. 1124, 1 (R. P. 167 b). In other places Aristotle speaks of it as “the One.” Cf. de Gen. Corr. Α, 1. 315 a 7 (R. P. 168 e); Met. Β, 4. 1000 a 29 (R. P. 166 i); Α, 4. 985 a 28 (R. P. ib.). This, however, involves a slight Aristotelian “development.” It is not quite the same thing to say, as Empedokles does, that all things come together “into one,” and to say that they come together “into the One.” The latter expression suggests that they lose their distinct and proper character in the Sphere, and thus become something like Aristotle’s own “matter.” As has been pointed out (p. 265, n. 586), it is hard for Aristotle to grasp the conception of irreducible elements; but there can be no doubt that in the Sphere, as in their separation, the elements remain “what they are” for Empedokles. As Aristotle also knows quite well, the Sphere is a mixture. Compare the difficulties about the “One” of Anaximander discussed in Chap. I. § 15.