From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordDiaphora marks a difference between things or the respect in which they differ.
- In StobaeusThe Hermetic comparison of immortal and mortal bodies locates their difference in constitution and activity: the immortal body is composed from a single matter and acts, whereas the mortal body is acted upon.
- In this editionUse “difference” unless a specifically classificatory argument calls for “differentia.” State the respect of difference whenever it is supplied.
- A place to beginConstitution and active or passive status distinguish two sorts of body.
- English renderings
- difference; distinguishing feature
Meaning
Diaphora marks a difference between things or the respect in which they differ. It can organize an argument without functioning as a formal logical differentia.
Use in the book
The Hermetic comparison of immortal and mortal bodies locates their difference in constitution and activity: the immortal body is composed from a single matter and acts, whereas the mortal body is acted upon. The political analogy of ruler and slave elaborates this contrast; it is not itself the literal definition of the bodies.
Places to read
- I.41.6.8Constitution and active or passive status distinguish two sorts of body.
Translation in this edition
Use “difference” unless a specifically classificatory argument calls for “differentia.” State the respect of difference whenever it is supplied.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 286. The passage does not identify the immortal body’s single matter with a named heavenly element.