Single Idea 12118

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

Full Idea

I assign to summary philosophy the operation of essences (as quantity, similitude, diversity, possibility), with this distinction - that they be handled as they have efficacy in nature, and not logically.

Clarification

'Summary' philosophy is first or highest philosophy

Gist of Idea

Essences are part of first philosophy, but as part of nature, not part of logic

Source

Francis Bacon (The Advancement of Learning [1605], II.VII.3)

Book Reference

Bacon,Francis: 'Advancement of Learning/New Atlantis' [OUP 1966], p.108


A Reaction

I take this to be a splendid motto for scientific essentialism, in a climate where modal logicians appear to have taken over the driving seat in our understanding of essences.