Single Idea 5450

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 2. Types of Essence]

Full Idea

Kripke makes the origin of an organism essential to it, according to Putnam the fundamental physical properties of a thing are essential, Wiggins sees an organism's essence in belonging to a particular kind, etc.

Gist of Idea

For Kripke, essence is origin; for Putnam, essence is properties; for Wiggins, essence is membership of a kind

Source

report of Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity lectures [1970]) by Thomas Mautner - Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy p.179

Book Reference

Mautner,Thomas: 'Dictionary of Philosophy' [Penguin 1997], p.179


A Reaction

This is helpful for seeing where the problems remain, if you embrace essentialism (as I feel inclined to do). It is vital to remember Putnam's point, that we could suddenly discover that cats are alien robots. This seems to undermine Kripke and Wiggins.