"Thisness"
Scotus coined haecceitas to explain why an individual is "this one" and no other — individuality is a real, ultimate form. The subtle notion is still discussed in metaphysics today.
✍️
Duns Scotus
The "Subtle Doctor," philosopher of will and individuality
Those Who Ground an Idea Into a Whole System · Disciples & School-Builders
ScholasticismVoluntarismIndividuality
Who they are
Duns Scotus (c. 1266–1308), the Franciscan theologian famed for the subtlety of his arguments — the "Subtle Doctor" — held that will is higher than intellect and that individuality (haecceitas, "thisness") is irreducible. Opposing Thomism, he deeply influenced later nominalism and modern thought about the subject.
Primary sourcesDuns Scotus, Ordinatio (Oxford commentary)
Key stories
Relationships
Nemesis
Echoes today
Below are how modern works borrow or reinterpret this name or story — not the original material. The two differ, so keep them apart.
"Thisness (haecceitas)"His concept of individuality is still cited in contemporary metaphysics of individuals.