Material Cause

(also called Matter).— In a bodily being, the potency principle from which the being in question comes to be. 

 

Primary Matter (also called Prime Matter and First Matter).— The principle of potency in a body that, together with substantial form, constitutes a body as such. 

 

Secondary Matter (also called Second Matter).— Matter as actualized by a substantial form, i.e., a body.  It is the subject of further accidents. 

Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology


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