Essence and existence in Plato and Aristotle

Theoria 37 (2):91-113 (1971)
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Abstract

Truth of x (independently of any description of x) that it is f. A property f which holds of x but is not per se of x is said to hold per accidens of x. The essence of an individual is the sum of its per se properties. We can formulate the following: doctrine a: concrete individuals do not have essences though abstract entities do. Doctrine b: concrete individuals have essences but they do not individuate, whereas abstract entities have essences which do individuate. Assumption i: we shall say that a thing exists insofar as it has an essence. Assumption ii: we shall say that we know a thing when we know what its per se properties are. We argue that plato held doctrine a and aristotle doctrine b (with assumptions i and ii). (edited)

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Max Cresswell
Victoria University of Wellington

Citations of this work

What is Aristotle's theory of universals?M. J. Cresswell - 1975 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 53 (3):238 – 247.
The Phaedo and Republic V on essences.F. C. White - 1978 - Journal of Hellenic Studies 98:142-156.
Is socrates essentially a man?Linda Wetzel - 2000 - Philosophical Studies 98 (2):203-220.
Particulars in Phaedo, 95e — 107a.F. C. White - 1976 - Canadian Journal of Philosophy, Supplementary Volume 2:129-147.
Particulars in Phaedo, 95e–107a.F. C. White - 1976 - Canadian Journal of Philosophy 6 (sup1):129-147.

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