more from Robert C. Stalnaker

Single Idea 16467

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 7. Essence and Necessity / a. Essence as necessary properties]

Full Idea

It seems natural to paraphrase the claim that Socrates is essentially human as the claim that nothing could be Socrates if it was not human.

Gist of Idea

'Socrates is essentially human' seems to say nothing could be Socrates if it was not human

Source

Robert C. Stalnaker (Mere Possibilities [2012], 4.3)

Book Reference

Stalnaker,Robert C.: 'Mere Possibilities' [Princeton 2012], p.111


A Reaction

In ordinary speech it would be emphasising how very human Socrates was (in comparison with Frege, for example). By this token Socrates essentially breathes oxygen, but that is hardly part of his essence.

Related Idea

Idea 13189 A necessary feature (such as air for humans) is not therefore part of the essence [Leibniz]