Aquinas 101 - Course 2: Introduction to Thomistic Philosophy Episode 13 – The Distinction of Essence and Existence | Prof. Edward Feser
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Oct 14, 2019 AI Snips
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Essence vs Existence Distinction
- Essence and existence are distinct because one can understand what a thing is without knowing if it exists.
- Knowing essence alone doesn't guarantee existence, proving a real distinction in reality.
Contingency Shows Real Distinction
- If a contingent thing's existence were identical to its essence, it would exist necessarily.
- Contingency proves essence and existence must be really distinct in contingent beings.
Uniqueness of Essence-Existence Unity
- Only one thing can have essence identical with existence, making it unique.
- Multiple instances with identical essence-existence unity are impossible, supporting real distinction for ordinary beings.