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Single Idea 12312

[from 'Essence and Accident' by Irving M. Copi, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 6. Dispositions / b. Dispositions and powers ]

Full Idea

With respect to scientific usage, we can say that the real essence of a thing will consist very largely of powers or, in modern terms, dispositional properties.

Gist of Idea

The real essence of a thing is its powers, or 'dispositional properties'

Source

Irving M. Copi (Essence and Accident [1954], p.718)

Book Reference

-: 'Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.718


A Reaction

Once again, Copi is a hero. I personally love the word 'powers' in metaphysics (and dislike the word 'properties', which is lost in a fog of confusion). See Molnar on 'powers' and Mumford on 'dispositions'.