Single Idea 5449

[catalogued under 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 6. Necessity from Essence]

Full Idea

Many writers identify essentialism with the belief in 'de re' necessary truths

Clarification

'De re' truths are about reality, as opposed to being about descriptions

Gist of Idea

Essentialism is often identified with belief in 'de re' necessary truths

Source

Thomas Mautner (Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy [1996], p.179)

Book Reference

Mautner,Thomas: 'Dictionary of Philosophy' [Penguin 1997], p.179


A Reaction

I like essentialism, but I cautious about this. If I accept that I have an essential personal identity as I write this, but that it could change over time, the same principle might apply to other natural essences.