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Single Idea 11178

[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 6. Definition by Essence ]

Full Idea

If each object has a unique essence or definition, this may be identified with either the class of properties that it essentially has, or with the class of propositions that are true in virtue of what it is.

Gist of Idea

The essence or definition of an essence involves either a class of properties or a class of propositions

Source

Kit Fine (Senses of Essence [1995], §8)

Book Ref

'Modality, Morality and Belief', ed/tr. Sinnott-Armstrong/Raffman/Asher [CUP 1995], p.66


A Reaction

Elsewhere Fine says that it is easier to work with the propositions view, but that the properties (or predicates) view is probably more fundamental. He goes on here to raise the question of whether either view makes the essence unique.