Single Idea 15262

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 6. Essence as Unifier]

Full Idea

From the point of view of philosophical logic, the nature of a kind, or a material substance or an individual is its essence, that is, those of its qualities which are inseparable from its being that kind, that material or that individual.

Gist of Idea

In logic the nature of a kind, substance or individual is the essence which is inseparable from what it is

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 6.I)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.101


A Reaction

This might be where the logical and the naturalistic notions of essence come apart. Could something retain its 'natural' essence while losing its identity, or lose its essence while retaining its identity?