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

Both are accidental universals outside essence. The difference is the range of kinds to which the characteristic applies.
Property: the classical example of a capacity for laughter is distinctive of humans.
Common accident: walking is shared with other kinds.
Property does not simply mean 'rare'; common accident does not mean a feature found in absolutely everything.

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Comparing property and common accident

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

Both are accidental universals outside essence. The difference is the range of kinds to which the characteristic applies.
Property: the classical example of a capacity for laughter is distinctive of humans.
Common accident: walking is shared with other kinds.
Property does not simply mean 'rare'; common accident does not mean a feature found in absolutely everything.