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Single Idea 11171

[from 'Essence and Modality' by Kit Fine, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 6. Definition by Essence ]

Full Idea

There is an analogy between defining a term and giving the essence of an object. ..However, I am inclined to think that the two cases are not merely parallel but are, at bottom, the same.

Gist of Idea

Defining a term and giving the essence of an object don't just resemble - they are the same

Source

Kit Fine (Essence and Modality [1994], p.13)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Perspectives' [-], p.13


A Reaction

The proposal is something like the meaning of a concept being the essence of the concept. And essence is definition. The parallel is that they both lead to necessities, either derived from objects or from concepts. Sounds good to me.