Combining Philosophers

Ideas for H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim, Quassim Cassam and Alan Sidelle

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1 idea

9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 3. Relative Identity
We aren't clear about 'same stuff as this', so a principle of individuation is needed to identify it [Sidelle]
     Full Idea: Independent of conventions, no definite sense can be given to the notion of 'the same stuff as this'. So reference-fixing must include some principle of individuation to determine the aspects of sameness for the identity referred to.
     From: Alan Sidelle (Necessity, Essence and Individuation [1989], Ch.6)
     A reaction: Is he really saying that we don't understand 'same stuff as this'? Surely animals can manage that, and they are not famous for their conventions. Sidelle has fallen into the sortalist trap, I think.