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Full Idea
With respect to scientific usage, we can say that the real essence of a thing will consist very largely of powers or, in modern terms, dispositional properties.
Gist of Idea
The real essence of a thing is its powers, or 'dispositional properties'
Source
Irving M. Copi (Essence and Accident [1954], p.718)
Book Ref
-: 'Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.718
A Reaction
Once again, Copi is a hero. I personally love the word 'powers' in metaphysics (and dislike the word 'properties', which is lost in a fog of confusion). See Molnar on 'powers' and Mumford on 'dispositions'.
| 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] |