Single Idea 13376

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 7. Essence and Necessity / b. Essence not necessities]

Full Idea

I argue against the widely accepted characterization of the doctrine of 'essentialism' as the acceptance of nontrivial de re necessity

Clarification

'De re' means concerning the things themselves, not just how they are described

Gist of Idea

We should not regard essentialism as just nontrivial de re necessity

Source

Michael Jubien (Possibility [2009], Intro)

Book Reference

Jubien,Michael: 'Possibility' [OUP 2009], p.-3


A Reaction

I agree entirely. The notion of an essence is powerful if clearly distinguished. The test is: can everything being said about essences be just as easily said by referring to necessities? If so, you are talking about the wrong thing.