A feature's being consistently or necessarily connected with a kind does not by itself place it inside that kind's essence. A property may be distinctive while still accidental in the classical sense.
The book treats the capacity for laughter as property, not as a constituent of human essence.
Ask not only whether a trait is regularly present, but whether it enters into what the species is.
Opening interactive controls...
An enduring feature need not be essential
The Five Universals: Genus, Species, Differentia, Property, Common Accident
A feature's being consistently or necessarily connected with a kind does not by itself place it inside that kind's essence. A property may be distinctive while still accidental in the classical sense.
The book treats the capacity for laughter as property, not as a constituent of human essence.
Ask not only whether a trait is regularly present, but whether it enters into what the species is.