Single Idea 12539

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

Full Idea

If anyone thinks that a man, a horse, an animal, a plant, are distinguished by real essences made by nature, he must think nature to be very liberal, making one for body, another for an animal, and another for a horse, all bestowed upon Bucephalus.

Clarification

Bucephalus was the horse of Alexander the Great

Gist of Idea

If every sort has its real essence, one horse, being many sorts, will have many essences

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 a powerful argument in favour of individual essences, and strongly against kind essences. Locke at his best, I would say.