Single Idea 10522

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

Full Idea

The relations which are featured in criteria of identity are always equivalence relations.

Clarification

An equivalence relation is transitive, symmetric and reflexive

Gist of Idea

The relations featured in criteria of identity are always equivalence relations

Source

Bob Hale (Abstract Objects [1987], Ch.3.III)

Book Reference

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.57


A Reaction

This will only apply to strict identity. If I say 'a is almost identical to b', this will obviously not be endlessly transitive (as when we get to k we may have lost the near-identity to a). Are 'two threes' identical to 'three twos'?