Full Idea
The causal theory of reference appears to give us a way to get at an object while leaving it undetermined what its essence or necessary features might be.
Gist of Idea
Causal reference seems to get directly at the object, thus leaving its nature open
Source
Alan Sidelle (Necessity, Essence and Individuation [1989], Ch.1)
Book Reference
Sidelle,Alan: 'Necessity, Essence and Individuation' [Cornell 1989], p.11
A Reaction
This pinpoints why the direct/causal theory of reference seems to open the doors to scientific essentialism. Sidelle, of course, opposes the whole programme.