Single Idea 8275

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 1. Physical Objects]

Full Idea

I distinguish objects as those entities - whether abstract or concrete, universal or particular - which possess fully determinate identity-conditions, but there are, or may be, entities other than objects.

Gist of Idea

Objects are entities with full identity-conditions, but there are entities other than objects

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 7)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.155


A Reaction

A wave on the sea is a candidate for being an entity but not an object. The distinction is probably not quite common usage, but it strikes as one which philosophers should universally adopt. Lots of entities, and some of them are objects.