DiotimosReading Desk

Elements and matter

Shape

σχῆμα; μορφή

schēma; morphē

Schēma names shape or configuration.

From the book

Stobaeus, Volume I

John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026

Browse this book’s lexicon →

Orientation

At a Glance

  • The wordSchēma names shape or configuration.
  • In StobaeusThe report on Aristotle distinguishes form from surface shape through the comparison between whiteness in milk and whiteness in painting.
  • In this editionThe translation distinguishes “shape” from “form” when the source makes the contrast.
  • A place to beginMorphē is contrasted with form extending through depth.
English renderings
shape; configuration

Meaning

Schēma names shape or configuration. Morphē can also be translated “shape,” particularly where a report contrasts a surface determination with form extending through a thing.

Use in the book

The report on Aristotle distinguishes form from surface shape through the comparison between whiteness in milk and whiteness in painting. The notice on Anaxagoras and the followers of Leucippus assigns many shapes respectively to like-parted constituents and atoms. Democritus’ color theory makes shape one condition of perceived appearance. Shape can therefore explain both constitution and perceptual difference.

Places to read

  1. I.12.1b.1Morphē is contrasted with form extending through depth.
  2. I.15.6a.2The primary constituents are assigned many shapes.
  3. I.16.1.7Schēma helps explain color appearance.

Translation in this edition

The translation distinguishes “shape” from “form” when the source makes the contrast. A shared English rendering does not establish identity between morphē and schēma.

Source note

Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 134–135, 146, 149.