Single Idea 13103

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / a. Individuation]

Full Idea

Scholastics distinguished criteria of numerical difference from questions of individuation proper, since numerical difference is a symmetrical notion.

Gist of Idea

Numerical difference is a symmetrical notion, unlike proper individuation

Source

Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J (Substance and Individuation in Leibniz [1999], 7.4.1)

Book Reference

Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J: 'Substance and Individuation in Leibniz' [CUP 1999], p.274


A Reaction

This apparently old-fashioned point appears to be conclusively correct. Modern thinkers, though, aren't comfortable with proper individuation, because they don't believe in concepts like 'essence' and 'substance' that are needed for the job.

Related Idea

Idea 14601 Individuation aims to count entities, by saying when there is one [Schaffer,J]