A ground-theoretical modal definition of essence. (20th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Rizzo, Julio
• Is Part Of: Analysis. Volume 82:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2021-09-20
• Subjects: Essence Ground -- Modality -- Ontological Dependence -- Necessity; Philosophy -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1093/analys/anab004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2638

Abstract

Abstract: I provide a case-by-case definition of essential truths based on the notions of metaphysical necessity and ontological dependence. Relying on suggestions in the literature, I adopt a definition of the latter notion in terms of the notion of ground. The resulting account is adequate in the sense that it is not subject to Kit Fine's famous counterexamples to the purely modal account of essence. In addition, it provides us with a novel conception of truths pertaining to the essence of objects, which might help to dispel doubts on the legitimacy of the notion of essence itself.