How Do You Spell ACCIDENS?

Pronunciation: [ˈaksɪdənz] (IPA)

Accidens is a Latin-derived word commonly used in philosophy and theology referring to the non-essential properties or attributes of a thing. The correct spelling of the word is "Accidens" (æksɪdɛnz) with two "c's" and not "Accident" (ˈæksədənt) with a single "c." The difference in spelling is due to the variation in the Latin declension of the word, which is "accidēns" to emphasize the second syllable. It is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion in communication and written works.

Meaning and Definition
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ACCIDENS Meaning and Definition

  1. Accidens, derived from the Latin term "accidens" meaning "that which happens," is a philosophical concept primarily used within Aristotelian and Scholastic traditions. It refers to a category of essential attributes of a substance that can change or be present without affecting the substance's identity. In simpler terms, accidens connotes qualities or properties of an object that are not essential to its being or definition and may vary or disappear over time.

    Accidens can encompass various aspects such as color, size, weight, odor, taste, or temporary states like being wet or hot. These characteristics are considered accidental because they do not define the fundamental nature or essence of the object in question. For example, in the context of an apple, its color, size, or ripeness (which can change) are considered accidens, while being round or organic would be considered essential attributes, known as essentialia or substantia.

    The notion of accidens is fundamental to understanding substance ontology, specifically the distinction between primary and secondary qualities. It allows philosophers to comprehend the relationship between the unchanging substances and the fluctuating, non-essential properties they take on.

    Accidens plays a significant role in Scholastic philosophy, where it is often used to describe the transient attributes associated with substances. By identifying and categorizing accidens, scholars seek to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of entities, their properties, and their relationship to one another.

Etymology of ACCIDENS

The word "Accidens" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It derives from the Latin word "accidens" which means "happening" or "occurrence". The Latin word is derived from the verb "accidere", which is a combination of the prefix "ad" (meaning "to") and the verb "cadere" (meaning "to fall"). Therefore, "accidens" can be translated as "that which falls to" or "that which happens to". In philosophy, specifically in Aristotle's metaphysics, "accidens" refers to non-essential qualities or properties of a substance, something that is not inherent to its nature.