Single Idea 17182

[catalogued under 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 6. Necessity from Essence]

Full Idea

A thing is called necessary either in reference to its essence or its cause.

Gist of Idea

Necessity is in reference to essence or to cause

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Pr 33)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.31


A Reaction

I like any proposal that necessity should be 'in reference to' something, rather than being free-standing. I like to add necessary 'for' something, which is often conceptual necessity. Roots are necessary for trees.