Individuation
Individuation
The constitution of a reality as a singular member of a species. In the context of the matter and form theory it is difficult to explain how either prime matter (which is in itself the same in all physical things), or substantial form (which is the same in all members of the same species), can be the cause or principle of individuality. See Thomism, Scotism, Suarezianism, for various explanations. — V.J.B.