Mā huwa is the technical question about essence. For one species, an answer combining genus and differentia can state its full essence. For several species, seek their common essential character.
Human — rational animal.
Human, cow and goat — animal.
Human and tree — growing body.
Human, tree and stone — body.
The next lesson develops the distinctions between proximate and remote genus and differentia.
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Recap: why mā huwa matters
Mā Huwa: Asking What a Thing Is
Mā huwa is the technical question about essence. For one species, an answer combining genus and differentia can state its full essence. For several species, seek their common essential character.
Human — rational animal.
Human, cow and goat — animal.
Human and tree — growing body.
Human, tree and stone — body.
The next lesson develops the distinctions between proximate and remote genus and differentia.