Haecceity

Quick meaning: Haecceity is a noun meaning (philosophy) The essence of a particular thing that gives it its unique particularity; those qualities that make an individual this specific individual and not some other.

Meaning

(philosophy) The essence of a particular thing that gives it its unique particularity; those qualities that make an individual this specific individual and not some other.

Example Sentences

HÆCCEITY [with Chymiſis] the ſame ſpecifick Eſſence or active Principle, by which a Medicine operates.

Being asked to present our work in terms of 'technology' seems to somehow imply it as haecceity – as a graspable essence or entity, a 'this-ness'.

But then, precisely the same distinction is applicable to the Hæcceity itself. For it, too, has its notes of similarity with other Hæcceities, as well as its distinctive notes which add something conceptually distinct from the common Hæcceity.

The haecceitist's claim that there exist unexemplified haecceities of disjoint objects is an extremely controversial one. Indeed, many of those who accept an ontology which includes properties vehemently deny the existence of even exemplified haecceities.

Word Forms

• haecceities

Synonyms for haecceity

Depending on context, synonyms include thisness.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include haecceitism, haecceitas, quiddity, nessness, essence, propriety.

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