Single Idea 14191

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 6. Essence as Unifier]

Full Idea

The deep essentialist holds that most objects have essential properties such that there are many ways they could not be, or many changes through which they could not persist. Objects' modal profiles characterize their natures.

Gist of Idea

Deep essentialists say essences constrain how things could change; modal profiles fix natures

Source

L.A. Paul (In Defense of Essentialism [2006], Intro)

Book Reference

'Metaphysics (Philosophical Perspectives 20)', ed/tr. Hawthorne,John [Blackwell 2006], p.334


A Reaction

This is the view I like, especially the last bit. If your modal profile doesn't determine your nature, then what does? Think of how you sum up a person at a funeral. Your modal profile is determined by dispositions and powers.