Single Idea 12256

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 4. Powers as Essence]

Full Idea

We need a theory of essence to help us distinguish between the powers that do and do not belong to the essence of a thing.

Gist of Idea

We need to distinguish the essential from the non-essential powers

Source

David S. Oderberg (Real Essentialism [2007], 6.3)

Book Reference

Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.132


A Reaction

I take this to be a very good reason for searching for the essence of things, though the need to distinguish does not guarantee that there really is something to distinguish. Maybe powers just come and go. A power is essential in you but not in me?