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Single Idea 12088

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 3. Individual Essences ]

Full Idea

We should replace the traditional interpretation of Aristotelian essences - as clusters of universal properties - with an interpretation according to which an essence is an individual substance, though not a composite or sensible substance.

Gist of Idea

Aristotelian essence is not universal properties, but individual essence

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle 5

Book Reference

Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.143


A Reaction

I get the impression that this is a growing view amongst Aristotle scholars, which really ruins a widespread view which I associate with Wiggins, that essences are to do with categories, sortals and kinds. I associate essences with explanations.