Single Idea 16543

[catalogued under 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 6. Necessity from Essence]

Full Idea

If we can truly affirm that it is part of the essence of some entity that p is the case, then p is an essential truth and so a metaphysically necessary truth.

Gist of Idea

If an essence implies p, then p is an essential truth, and hence metaphysically necessary

Source

E.J. Lowe (What is the Source of Knowledge of Modal Truths? [2013], 6)

Book Reference

-: 'Mind' [-], p.20


A Reaction

This feels too quick. He is trying to expound the idea (which I like) that necessity derives from essences, and not vice versa. Is it a metaphysical necessity that there are no moths in my wardrobe, because mothballs have driven them away? Maybe.

Related Idea

Idea 16544 Metaphysical necessity is either an essential truth, or rests on essential truths [Lowe]