Single Idea 12538

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 5. Genus and Differentia]

Full Idea

In this whole business of genera and species, the genus, or more comprehensive, but a partial conception of what is in the species, and the species but a partial idea of what is to be found in each individual.

Gist of Idea

Genus is a partial conception of species, and species a partial idea of individuals

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 3.06.32)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.460


A Reaction

This is my feeling on the subject, that any definition that stops short of the individual, whence all categorisation flows, is inadequate.