Single Idea 12810

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 3. Individual Essences]

Full Idea

Locke assumes that one could have the concept of an individual without assigning it to any kind.

Gist of Idea

We can conceive an individual without assigning it to a kind

Source

report of John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694]) by Nicholas Jolley - Leibniz and Locke on Essences p.205

Book Reference

'Leibniz: Critical and Interpretive Essays', ed/tr. Hooker,Michael [Manchester 1982], p.205


A Reaction

I'm not sure of the evidence for this, and Jolley says that Leibniz disagrees (in the Essaies). I cling to it because I take it to be correct. Identifying a kind seems to me to be a good way for us to get at an individual essence, but that is all.