Single Idea 3350

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

Full Idea

Is being a horse an essential property of a horse? Can we so much as conceive the abstract possibility of a horse's ceasing to be a horse even while continuing to exist?

Gist of Idea

Could a horse lose the essential property of being a horse, and yet continue to exist?

Source

José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], Ch.20)

Book Reference

Benardete,José A.: 'Metaphysics: The Logical Approach' [OUP 1989], p.146