Abstract

This chapter focuses on the nature of essence and existence in creatures-that is, in created entities. More specifically, it looks at Aquinas (1224-1274) and his intriguing account of these fundamental notions from On Being and Essence. It then defends Aquinas against a few important objections, one by Anthony Kenny in his recent work Aquinas on Being, and the other by the mediaeval arts master John Buridan (1295-1361). The discussion ranges widely over issues in epistemology, language, and metaphysics proper.

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