LessonsThe Five Universals: Genus, Species, Differentia, Property, Common AccidentQuiz

Saying that humans walk describes a feature also found in other animals. It does not identify human specific essence.
In the classical definition, rationality supplies the essential distinction within the genus animal.
To count as differentia, a concept must both distinguish and enter into the essence; mere distinctiveness is insufficient.

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Why differentia is more than a distinctive description

The Five Universals: Genus, Species, Differentia, Property, Common Accident

Saying that humans walk describes a feature also found in other animals. It does not identify human specific essence.
In the classical definition, rationality supplies the essential distinction within the genus animal.
To count as differentia, a concept must both distinguish and enter into the essence; mere distinctiveness is insufficient.