LessonsEssence, Quiddity, and Essential vs Accidental UniversalsQuiz

The textbook states that the essence of a human is 'rational animal.' Its two concepts jointly specify the human kind in classical logic.
'Animal' names a wider class of sentient, living beings, not humanity alone.
'Rational' here means having the capacity for reason and understanding; it does not merely mean producing sounds.
Together these terms specify the human kind within the traditional logical scheme. This is a classical logical definition, not a modern biological taxonomy.

Opening interactive controls...

Unpack the classical definition step by step

Essence, Quiddity, and Essential vs Accidental Universals

The textbook states that the essence of a human is 'rational animal.' Its two concepts jointly specify the human kind in classical logic.
'Animal' names a wider class of sentient, living beings, not humanity alone.
'Rational' here means having the capacity for reason and understanding; it does not merely mean producing sounds.
Together these terms specify the human kind within the traditional logical scheme. This is a classical logical definition, not a modern biological taxonomy.