Single Idea 15459

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 4. Intrinsic Properties]

Full Idea

The property of being an ellipsoidal star would seem offhand to be a basic intrinsic property, but it is incompatible (nomologically) with being an isolated object.

Clarification

'Nomological' refers to the laws of nature

Gist of Idea

Ellipsoidal stars seem to have an intrinsic property which depends on other objects

Source

David Lewis (Defining 'Intrinsic' (with Rae Langton) [1998], V)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.122


A Reaction

Another nice example from Lewis. It makes you wonder whether the intrinsic/extrinsic distinction should go. Modern physics, with its 'entanglements', doesn't seem to suit the distinction.