Single Idea 12141

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 5. Essence as Kind]

Full Idea

We can advance the thesis that all essential properties either determine a natural kind or are part of an essential property that does determine a natural kind.

Gist of Idea

Maybe essential properties are those which determine a natural kind?

Source

Baruch Brody (Identity and Essence [1980])

Book Reference

Brody,Baruch: 'Identity and Essence' [Princeton 1980], p.132


A Reaction

A useful clear statement of the view. I am opposed to it, because I take it to be of the essence of Socrates that he is philosophical, but humans are not essentially philosophical, and philosophers are unlikely to be a natural kind.