Single Idea 12540

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 11. Essence of Artefacts]

Full Idea

Artificial things are of distinct species, as well as natural. ..For why should we not think a watch and a pistol as distinct species one from another, as a horse and a dog?

Gist of Idea

Artificial things like watches and pistols have distinct kinds

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 3.06.41)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.465


A Reaction

This is the beginning of a topic which has caused a lot of modern debate in trying to assess essentialist claims.