more from Irving M. Copi

Single Idea 12308

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 13. Nominal Essence]

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 Reference

-: '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.