more from Alvin Plantinga

Single Idea 14654

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 9. Essence and Properties]

Full Idea

Let us call properties that enjoy the distinction of being instantiated by every object in every possible world 'trivially essential properties'.

Gist of Idea

Properties are 'trivially essential' if they are instantiated by every object in every possible world

Source

Alvin Plantinga (World and Essence [1970], I)

Book Reference

Plantinga,Alvin: 'Essays in the Metaphysics of Modality' [OUP 2003], p.49


A Reaction

These would appear to be trivially 'necessary' rather than 'essential'. This continual need for the qualifier 'trivial' shows that they are not talking about proper essences.