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Single Idea 5461

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / a. Scientific essentialism]

Full Idea

The essential properties of uranium are its atomic number, and the common electron shell structure for all uranium atoms.

Clarification

The 'atomic number' is the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom

Gist of Idea

The essence of uranium is its atomic number and its electron shell

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.54


A Reaction

For those who deny essences (e.g. Quineans) this is a nice challenge. You might have to add accounts of the essences of the various particles that make up the atoms. There is nothing arbitrary or conventional about what makes something uranium.