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Single Idea 16797

[from 'Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed)' by John Locke, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 6. Definition by Essence ]

Full Idea

Locke may have gone a long way towards describing the real essence of a person.

Gist of Idea

Maybe Locke described the real essence of a person

Source

report of John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.27.09) by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 30.5

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.725


A Reaction

Locke resisted the idea that we could know real essences, but this idea makes the point that if you give a good definition of something you can hardly fail to be invoking its essence.