Abstract

GARDELLA, Mariana. Megarian Metaphysics: Unity, Identity, and Predicational Monism. Diánoia [online]. 2014, vol.59, n.73, pp.3-26. ISSN 0185-2450.

This paper purports to clarify the general features of Megarian metaphysics against two traditional interpretations which ascribe to this philosophical group either the defense of a numerical monism or a theory of Forms. Based on the testimonies of Euclid and Stilpo of Megara, I will aim to show that a main characteristic of Megarian metaphysics is the development of the concepts of unity and identity of each thing to itself, which involves a disavowal of difference as a possible property and, consequently, of any kind of change. I also intend to show that, although this standpoint does not exclude the existence of multiple entities, it implies that these entities are not Forms. Consequently, the Megarians do not develop a numerical monism but a predicational one, according to which the adscription of many predicates to the same entity is rejected.

Keywords : Euclid of Megara; Stilpo of Megara; agathology; difference; kinds of monism.

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