Single Idea 15106

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

Full Idea

Essence is expressed by grammar. ...Grammar tells us what kind of object anything is.

Gist of Idea

Essence is expressed by grammar

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §371-3)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.116


A Reaction

Enigmatic, as usual. The second part seems to imply sortal essentialism, though the emphasis on grammar seems to make it highly conventional, rather than a reflection of 'real' sorts.