Single Idea 9206

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 7. Essence and Necessity / b. Essence not necessities]

Full Idea

The failure to distinguish between the identity or essence of an object and its necessary features is an instance of what we may call 'modal mania'.

Gist of Idea

We must distinguish between the identity or essence of an object, and its necessary features

Source

Kit Fine (Intro to 'Modality and Tense' [2005], p. 9)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Modality and Tense' [OUP 2005], p.9


A Reaction

He blames Kripke's work for modal mania, a reaction to Quine's 'contempt' for modal notions. I don't actually understand Fine's remark (yet), but it strikes me as incredibly important! Explanations by email, please.