Single Idea 16029

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 13. Nominal Essence]

Full Idea

Locke's distinction between real and nominal essences appears to be in reference to the Aristotelian distinction between real and nominal definitions.

Gist of Idea

Locke's real and nominal essence refers back to Aristotle's real and nominal definitions

Source

report of John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 3.06.02) by Jan-Erik Jones - Real Essence §2

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.4


A Reaction

A revealing observation. Locke's philosophy is thoroughly Aristotelian in character, but with the addition of an empirical scepticism that blocks the more speculative (and explanatory) aspects of Aristotle.