Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Hermarchus, Colin McGinn and Gregory Currie

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2. Reason / D. Definition / 1. Definitions
Definitions identify two concepts, so they presuppose identity [McGinn]
     Full Idea: Any definition must presuppose the notion of identity precisely because a definition affirms the identity of two concepts.
     From: Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.1)
     A reaction: McGinn is arguing that identity is fundamental to thought, and this seems persuasive. It may be, though, that while identities are inescapable, definitions are impossible.