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Single Idea 12249

[from 'Real Essentialism' by David S. Oderberg, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 5. Genus and Differentia ]

Full Idea

The standard classification holds that 'animal' is a genus and 'rational' is a specific difference.

Gist of Idea

'Animal' is a genus and 'rational' is a specific difference

Source

David S. Oderberg (Real Essentialism [2007], 3.5)

Book Reference

Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.60


A Reaction

My understanding of 'difference' would take it down to the level of the individual, so the question is - which did Aristotle believe in. Not all commentators agree with Oderberg, and Wedin thinks the individual substance is paramount.