Single Idea 11155

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

Full Idea

Essence may be taken for the very being of any thing, whereby it is, what it is. And thus the real internal, but generally in substances, unknown constitution of things, whereon their discoverable qualities depend, may be called their essence.

Gist of Idea

Essence is the very being of any thing, whereby it is what it is

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 3.03.15)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.417


A Reaction

Fine cites this as following the Aristotelian definitional account of essence, rather than the account in terms of necessities. Locke goes on to distinguish 'real' from 'nominal' essence.