Single Idea 15810

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / a. Individuation]

Full Idea

It may well be that the only way we have, ultimately, of individuating anything is to relate it uniquely to ourselves.

Gist of Idea

Maybe we can only individuate things by relating them to ourselves

Source

Roderick Chisholm (Person and Object [1976], 1.5)

Book Reference

Chisholm,Roderick: 'Person and Object' [Open Court 1976], p.31


A Reaction

I'm guessing that Chisholm is thinking of 'ourselves' as meaning just himself, but I'm thinking this is plausible if he means the human community. I doubt whether there is much a philosopher can say on individuation that is revealing or precise.