Hylomorphism and the Virtues of Active Nihilism - Comments on Rooney’s Material Objects and Aristotelian Metaphysics

I discuss Rooney’s criticisms of structural hylomorphism and defend the later form of hylomorphism. I argue that the problems raised by Rooney are not unique to structural hylomorphism but also affect other forms of hylomorphism that treat forms as non-structural and non-relational entities. A plausible solution lies in understanding structures as external relational modes, which avoids the problematic regresses. I then challenge Rooney’s identitarian hylomorphism, arguing that material substances cannot be numerically identical with composites of a form and matter. This position, which I label "active nihilism," holds that material substances are simple entities, yet still assigns crucial roles to composites of form and matter.