Single Idea 12871

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 5. Essence as Kind]

Full Idea

An object has the essential properties it has in virtue of being the kind of object it is.

Gist of Idea

Objects have their essential properties because of the kind of objects they are

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 7.1)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.261


A Reaction

He attributes this to Husserl and Wiggins. I just don't get it. What makes something the 'kind of object it is'? They've got it the wrong way round. Does God announce that this thing is a tiger, and is then pleasantly surprised to discover its stripes?