Single Idea 12819

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / G. Formal Mereology / 1. Mereology]

Full Idea

It emerges that 'part', like other formal concepts, is not univocal, but has analogous meanings according to whether we talk of individuals, classes, or masses.

Clarification

'Univocal' means having only one meaning

Gist of Idea

A 'part' has different meanings for individuals, classes, and masses

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], Intro)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.2


A Reaction

He suggests that unrestricted sums are appropriate for the last two, but not for individuals. There must be something univocal about the word - some awareness of a possible whole or larger entity to which the thing could belong.