Single Idea 14638

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 15. Against Essentialism]

Full Idea

Essentialism entails the existence of necessary singular propositions that are not instances of necessary generalizations. Therefore, since there are no such propositions, essentialism is false.

Gist of Idea

Essentialism is false, because it implies the existence of necessary singular propositions

Source

Alan McMichael (The Epistemology of Essentialist Claims [1986], I)

Book Reference

'Midwest Studs XI:Essentialism', ed/tr. French,Uehling,Wettstein [Minnesota 1986], p.35


A Reaction

This summarises the attack which McMichael wishes to deal with. I am wickedly tempted to say that essences actually have a contingent existence (or a merely hypothetical dependent necessity), and this objection might be grist for my mill.