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Single Idea 11151

[from 'Essence and Modality' by Kit Fine, in 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 4. Ontological Dependence ]

Full Idea

One object depends upon another (in one sense of the term) if its essence prevents it from existing without the other object.

Gist of Idea

An object is dependent if its essence prevents it from existing without some other object

Source

Kit Fine (Essence and Modality [1994], p. 2)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Perspectives' [-], p.2


A Reaction

I take the interest of this to be that essences are usually thought to be intrinsic, but this seems to involve the object in necessary external relations.