Exploring the Essence-Existence Distinction

The chapter delves into the concept that essence and existence must be distinct, using examples from different species and individuals within a species to illustrate this distinction. It discusses the necessity of a unique uncaused cause of existence, identifying it as God, and explores the idea that an entity's essence alone remains potential without existence. The chapter also addresses objections to the Thomistic doctrine of the real distinction between essence and existence, focusing on Anthony Kenny's critique and discussing various perspectives on the essence- existence relationship.