Single Idea 11847

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 3. Relative Identity]

Full Idea

As a necessary condition of the truth of an identity claim, some common sort f will have to be found to which they each belong. That is the point at which the primary question of identity can come into focus.

Gist of Idea

To identify two items, we must have a common sort for them

Source

David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001], 2.2)

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance Renewed' [CUP 2001], p.58


A Reaction

This is the plainest English expression I can find of Wiggins's main thesis. He maintains this thesis, while adamantly denying the idea that identity consists entirely of falling under a concept.