Single Idea 13230

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 3. Individual Essences]

Full Idea

Generality is often necessary for capturing the essence of a particular.

Gist of Idea

Particular essence is often captured by generality

Source

Mark Steiner (Mathematical Explanation [1978], p.36)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Mathematics: anthology', ed/tr. Jacquette,Dale [Blackwell 2002], p.36


A Reaction

The most powerful features of an entity are probably those which are universal, like intelligence or physical strength in a human. Those characteristics are powerful because they compete with the same characteristic in others (perhaps?).