Essence and arbitrariness

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Author(s):	Pedro Teixeira Yago Total Authors: 1
Document type:	Master's Dissertation
Press:	Campinas, SP.
Institution:	Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas
Defense date:	2020-12-17
Examining board members:	Giorgio Venturi; Jonas Rafael Becker Arenhart; Pedro Merlussi
Advisor:	Giorgio Venturi
Abstract
In this work we trace a general history of arbitrary objects, making explicit the arguments that philosophers gave for and against arbitrary objects, and try to make a connection to essence first suggested by Locke: the essence of an F is an arbitrary F. Since the concept of arbitrary objects seems to be intertwined with others with which it has been conflated, such as universals and types, we also present a thorough introduction to the concepts of types, universals, arbitrary objects and essence, and try to argue why the conflation of some of them is inadequate. By the end, we present some views on essence of those authors which have also views in which arbitrary objects show up - Fine and Zalta -, and seek for the connection suggested by Locke. We conclude, for reasons of the very nature of arbitrary objects, Locke's suggestion was misguided. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	19/17407-2 - Reasons for and against arbitrary objects
Grantee:	Pedro Teixeira Yago
Support Opportunities:	Scholarships in Brazil - Master