Single Idea 6615

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / a. Scientific essentialism]

Full Idea

A specific universal can exist only if the generic universal of which it is a species exists, but generic universals don't depend on species; …the essence of any genus is included in its species, but not conversely.

Clarification

The 'genus' is the larger family of which the species is a member

Gist of Idea

A species requires a genus, and its essence includes the essence of the genus

Source

Brian Ellis (Katzav on limitations of dispositions [2005], 91)

Book Reference

-: 'Analysis 65.1 Jan 2005' [- 2005], p.91


A Reaction

Thus the species 'electron' would be part of the genus 'lepton', or 'human' part of 'mammal'. The point of all this is to show how individual items connect up with the rest of the universe, giving rise to universal laws, such as Least Action.