The Ultimacy of Essence

Abstract

Abstract A common feature of recent metaphysical discussion are explanations stating that an object x is F by virtue of its essence or nature. These explanations are ultimate in the sense that there is no further explanation as to why they hold. Given that x is F by virtue of its nature, there is no further essentialist fact that explains this fact. I critically survey three recent accounts of the ultimacy of essence and argue that they fail to be ultimate in the intended sense. In light of this discussion, I suggest that a modal account of intrinsicality may present a viable alternative to essentialist explanations.