Single Idea 12307

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

Full Idea

Modern science seeks to know the real essences of things, and its increasing successes seem to be bringing it progressively nearer to that goal.

Gist of Idea

Modern science seeks essences, and is getting closer to them

Source

Irving M. Copi (Essence and Accident [1954], p.715)

Book Reference

-: 'Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.715


A Reaction

This is from a notable pioneering paper, which outlined scientific essentialism even before Marcus and Kripke began to offer a modern account of essence to give it backing. Compare Popper, who thinks essences are will-o-the-wisps.