Single Idea 12068

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 10. Essence as Species]

Full Idea

The standard interpretation holds that Aristotelian essences are species-essences, which are universal essences shared by all members of the same species.

Gist of Idea

Standardly, Aristotelian essences are taken to be universals of the species

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle Intro

Book Reference

Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.3


A Reaction

Her aim is to refute this standard view, in defence of the view that Aristotle really wanted to pinpoint individual essences. I think Witt is correct.