Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
The Definitional Conception of Essence298 views
Author
Vincent, William, Philosophy - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia
Advisors
Merricks, Trenton, Philosophy, University of Virginia
Abstract
An essential property of a thing tells us about the real definition of that thing. In this dissertation, I argue that a real definition states conditions on the identity of things and explains how they differ from other individuals or members of other kinds. I then apply this account to show that some essential properties are discovered by science. I also argue contrary to reductionist accounts of essence and show that several of Kit Fine's applications of the notion of essence to ontological dependence and to the reduction of modality, are spurious. Finally, I argue that the real definition of each human person accounts for their personal identity over time.
Degree
PHD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Keywords
essence; essential property; real definition; Kit Fine; modality; ontological dependence; propositions; reductionism; personal identity; sortal; identity; biological species; phylogenetic systematics; metaphysical explanation; David Wiggins
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Vincent, William. The Definitional Conception of Essence. University of Virginia, Philosophy - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, PHD (Doctor of Philosophy), 2024-07-23, https://doi.org/10.18130/w4m5-ng49.
