Single Idea 4828

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 1. Essences of Objects]

Full Idea

Many assert that that without which a thing cannot be nor be conceived, belongs to the essence of that thing.

Gist of Idea

The essence of a thing is what is required for it to exist or be conceived

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], II Pr 10)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.89


A Reaction

This is one Aristotelian idea that won't go away, despite the seventeenth century onslaught. It seems obvious that natural kinds, natural objects and human artefacts have properties that can be divided into essential and non-essential.