internal relation

American  

noun

Philosophy.

1. a relation between two entities such that if they had not been in this relation the nature of each would necessarily have been different.

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Etymology

Origin of internal relation

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

"Causal," denoting a more internal relation, as if the outgoing of some agency or property, as follows:-- § 83.

From Greek in a Nutshell by Strong, James

It is, therefore, in some internal relation, that the property consists; that is, in some influence, which the external relations of the object have on the mind and actions.

From A Treatise of Human Nature by Hume, David

There exist sciences which do not deal with the description or explanation of phenomena at all, but with the internal relation and connection, the interpretation and appreciation of purpose.

From International Congress of Arts and Science, Volume I Philosophy and Metaphysics by Various

Thus it must fare between the poor and the rich in the province deemed aristocratic, which in its internal relation is the very reverse of that character.

From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 03 (of 12) by Burke, Edmund

And so long as he can keep himself clear of the "external relation," to use Mr. Herbert Spencer's phraseology, he has much less difficulty with the "internal relation."

From Natural Law in the Spiritual World by Drummond, Henry