Single Idea 15603

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 1. Concept of Identity]

Full Idea

I can only represent two individuals as being the same if I do not already represent them as the same.

Gist of Idea

I can only represent individuals as the same if I do not already represent them as the same

Source

Kit Fine (Semantic Relationism [2007], 3.A)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Semantic Relationism' [OUP 2007], p.68


A Reaction

A very nice simple point. If I say 'Hesperus is Hesperus' I am unable to comment on the object, but 'Hesperus is Phosphorus' has a different expressive power. Start from contexts where it is necessary to say that two things are actually one.