[BikerNYC]

Nevertheless, it is obvious that what a dog is is not the same as its color, or its size, etc.

Obvious? Is there an "ideal form" for dog? How is "what a dog is" not the same as its size, color, organs, body, brain, and every particular aspect that makes up a dog?

[Aquinasfan]

Obvious? Is there an "ideal form" for dog? How is "what a dog is" not the same as its size, color, organs, body, brain, and every particular aspect that makes up a dog?

Look at yourself as an example. During the course of your life you have changed size, shape, color, position, etc. Yet you have remained you. In other words, there is not an identity between you and qualities "accidental" to you.

Similarly, you are more than the sum of your body parts. If you lost your arm, would you be 1/5 of yourself? Obviously not. Such an assertion is a category error. What is "you" or your substantial form is not material. Hence what is "you" (your substantial form) cannot be measured or quantified, except in its essential unity.

However, your body parts are not "accidental" to you as are your size and shape. Body and soul or "matter" and "substance" are mysteriously unified. More on this in upcoming posts.