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Full Idea
In the sphere of scientific enquiry the distinction between real and nominal essence tends to disappear; the scientist's classification of things is intended to be in terms of their real essences.
Gist of Idea
In modern science, nominal essence is intended to be real essence
Source
Irving M. Copi (Essence and Accident [1954], p.716)
Book Ref
-: 'Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.716
A Reaction
Thus we have disputes over what is the 'real' classification of natural kinds such as animals. There is not much point in a classification system that does not at least reflect some aspects of reality.
10937 | Essential properties are the 'deepest' ones which explain the others [Copi, by Rami] |
12303 | Within the four types of change, essential attributes are those whose loss means destruction [Copi] |
12307 | Modern science seeks essences, and is getting closer to them [Copi] |
12308 | In modern science, nominal essence is intended to be real essence [Copi] |
12310 | Real essences are scientifically knowable, but so are non-essential properties [Copi] |
12312 | The real essence of a thing is its powers, or 'dispositional properties' [Copi] |