The phrase "per accidens" is often used in philosophy to signify something that happens incidentally or by chance. In terms of pronunciation, "per" is pronounced /pɛr/ with an open mid front unrounded vowel followed by an alveolar approximant. "Accidens" is pronounced /ækɪˈdɛns/ with a short a sound followed by a stressed i sound, and ending with a voiced alveolar nasal and unvoiced alveolar fricative. Despite its Latin origin, the phrase is commonly used in academic discourse in English-speaking countries.
Per accidens is a Latin term that is commonly used in philosophy and theology to describe an accidental or incidental relationship between entities or properties. It refers to something that is not necessarily connected or essential to the nature or essence of an object or concept but rather occurs or is related to it by chance or coincidence.
In philosophical terms, per accidens describes a relationship or attribute that is not inherent or essential to a particular entity or concept but is acquired or accidental as the result of external factors or circumstances. It implies that the relationship or attribute is not a fundamental characteristic or part of the essence of the object or concept but is rather contingent upon outside elements or conditions.
In theological discourse, per accidens is often used to describe the relationship between God and creation. It signifies a relationship that is not inherent or necessary to God's being but is instead contingent or accidental in nature. This concept helps to elucidate the distinction between God and creation, underscoring that God's existence is independent of and not determined by the existence or characteristics of the created world.
Overall, per accidens refers to a non-essential or contingent relationship or attribute, emphasizing that it is not an intrinsic part of the nature or essence of an object or concept but rather exists or occurs by chance or coincidence.
The term "per accidens" comes from Latin.
Etymologically, "per" in Latin means "through" or "by", while "accidens" translates to "that which happens" or "occurrence".
In philosophy and logic, "per accidens" is used to describe something that is a result or consequence, but not an essential or inherent characteristic. It refers to a contingent or accidental attribute or event that is not necessary or essential to something's nature.