Single Idea 13379

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

Full Idea

If a bit of matter has a qualitatively indistinguishable object located at a later time, with a path of spacetime connecting them, how could we determine they are identical? Neither identity nor diversity follows from qualitative indiscernibility.

Gist of Idea

If two objects are indiscernible across spacetime, how could we decide whether or not they are the same?

Source

Michael Jubien (Possibility [2009], 1.3)

Book Reference

Jubien,Michael: 'Possibility' [OUP 2009], p.13


A Reaction

All these principles expounded by Leibniz were assumed to be timeless, but for identity over time the whole notion of things retaining identity despite changing has to be rethought. Essentialism to the rescue.