Single Idea 13178

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 7. Indiscernible Objects]

Full Idea

Things that differ in place must express their place, that is, they must express the things surrounding, and thus they must be distinguished not only by place, that is, not by an extrinsic denomination alone, as is commonly thought.

Gist of Idea

Things in different locations are different because they 'express' those locations

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Burcher De Volder [1706], 1703.06.20)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.175


A Reaction

This is an unusual view, which has some attractions, as it enables the relations of a thing to individuate it, while maintaining that this is a real difference in character.

Related Idea

Idea 10195 If the universe just held two indiscernibles spheres, that refutes the Identity of Indiscernibles [Black]