Single Idea 12258

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 9. Essence and Properties]

Full Idea

A substance is constituted by its essence, and properties are a species of accident. No property of a thing is part of a thing's essence, though properties flow from the essence.

Gist of Idea

Properties are not part of an essence, but they flow from it

Source

David S. Oderberg (Real Essentialism [2007], 7.2)

Book Reference

Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.156


A Reaction

I'm not sure I understand this. How can you know of something which has no properties? I'm wondering if the whole notion of a 'property' should be eliminated from good metaphysics.