Single Idea 11179

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 4. Essence as Definition]

Full Idea

If there are alternative definitions for an essence, we must distinguish three notions. There is the essence as the manifold (the combined definitions), or as the range of alternative definitions (with component essences), or there is the common essence.

Gist of Idea

If there are alternative definitions, then we have three possibilities for essence

Source

Kit Fine (Senses of Essence [1995], §8)

Book Reference

'Modality, Morality and Belief', ed/tr. Sinnott-Armstrong/Raffman/Asher [CUP 1995], p.67


A Reaction

Fine opts for the third alternative (what the definitions all have in common) as the best account. He says (p.68) 'definitive' properties come from one definition, and 'essential' properties from every possible definition.