Single Idea 15074

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 6. Identity between Objects]

Full Idea

If there were impossible objects, ones that do not possibly exist, we would have no difficulty in understanding what it is for such objects to be identical or distinct than in the case of possible objects.

Gist of Idea

We would understand identity between objects, even if their existence was impossible

Source

Kit Fine (Necessity and Non-Existence [2005], 08)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Modality and Tense' [OUP 2005], p.344


A Reaction

Thus, a 'circular square' seems to be the same as a 'square circle'. Fine is arguing for identity to be independent of any questions of existence.