more from Aristotle

Single Idea 12146

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 4. Essence as Definition]

Full Idea

If a definition is the recognition of some essence, it is clear that such items are not essences.

Gist of Idea

Definitions recognise essences, so are not themselves essences

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 90b17)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.50


A Reaction

So definitions are not themselves essences (as some modern thinkers claim). The idea seems obvious to me, but it is a warning against a simplistic view of Aristotelian essences, and a reminder that such things are real, not verbal.