Use three checks when answering mā huwa:
1. Is the question about one species’ complete essence or several species’ shared essence?
2. Does my answer apply to all the things named?
3. Is it essential rather than accidental?
Then choose a full specific definition or an appropriate common genus.
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Three checks for an answer
Mā Huwa: Asking What a Thing Is
Use three checks when answering mā huwa:
1. Is the question about one species’ complete essence or several species’ shared essence?
2. Does my answer apply to all the things named?
3. Is it essential rather than accidental?
Then choose a full specific definition or an appropriate common genus.