Single Idea 12532

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 5. Essence as Kind]

Full Idea

Even real essence relates to a sort, and supposes a species: for being that real constitution on which the properties depend, it necessarily supposes a sort of things, properties belonging only to species and not to individuals.

Gist of Idea

Even real essence depends on a sort, since it is sorts which have the properties

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 3.06.06)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.442


A Reaction

This seems a striking reversal of what Locke said about real and sortal essence in Idea 12530. I don't think I understand why 'properties belong only to species'. Surely Locke's individual 'monsters' have distinctive properties? But see Idea 12533.

Related Idea

Idea 12533 Real essences are unknown, so only the nominal essence connects things to a species [Locke]