Single Idea 14225

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 15. Against Essentialism]

Full Idea

According to critics, the thorniest problem for essentialism is the question of our knowledge of essence. It is usually at this point that terms of abuse such as 'dark', 'mysterious', and 'occult' are wheeled out.

Gist of Idea

Critics say that essences are too mysterious to be known

Source

Scott Shalkowski (Essence and Being [2008], 'Ess and Know')

Book Reference

'Being: Developments in Contemporary Metaphysics', ed/tr. Le Poidevin,R [CUP 2008], p.59


A Reaction

I'm inclined to think that the existence of essences can be fairly conclusively inferred, but that attributing a precise identity to them is the biggest challenge.