From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordAmorphos denies determinate form or configuration.
- In StobaeusThe distinction between principles and elements treats earth and water as having something prior to them: matter without shape or form.
- In this edition“Without shape or form” makes the paired negatives clear.
- A place to beginMatter is prior to generated elements and lacks their determinate forms.
- English renderings
- formless; without shape
Meaning
Amorphos denies determinate form or configuration. It can characterize matter considered in its own nature rather than the visible appearance of a finished object.
Use in the book
The distinction between principles and elements treats earth and water as having something prior to them: matter without shape or form. Formlessness here explains why the recipient is not identical with a particular formed element. It should not be visualized simply as a shapeless lump, which would already possess some physical configuration.
Places to read
- I.10.16b.1Matter is prior to generated elements and lacks their determinate forms.
- I.11.3.2Matter’s own nature is distinguished from the forms it receives.
Translation in this edition
“Without shape or form” makes the paired negatives clear. Do not turn a denial of determination into a denial of all existence.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 128, 131. Part of the argument distinguishing principles from elements is supplied in angle brackets in the base edition.