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Single Idea 9498

[from 'Nature's Metaphysics' by Alexander Bird, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 3. Powers as Derived ]

Full Idea

The essence of a potency involves a relation to something else; if inertial mass is a potency then its essence involves a relation to a stimulus property (impressed force) and a manifestation property (acceleration).

Gist of Idea

The essence of a potency involves relations, e.g. mass, to impressed force and acceleration

Source

Alexander Bird (Nature's Metaphysics [2007], 5.3.3)

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Nature's Metaphysics' [OUP 2007], p.107


A Reaction

It doesn't seem quite right to say that the relations are part of the essence, if they might not occur, but some other relations might happen in their place. An essence is what makes a relation possible (like being good-looking).