Single Idea 11851

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / e. Individuation by kind]

Full Idea

There are countless predicates in English that have the appearance of sortal predicates but are purely generic (animal, machine, artefact), or are pure determinables for sortal determination (space-occupier, entity, substance).

Gist of Idea

Many predicates are purely generic, or pure determiners, rather than sortals

Source

David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001], 2.6)

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance Renewed' [CUP 2001], p.69


A Reaction

This is preparing the ground for a specification of a sortal which defines something essential as being the hallmark of identity. It is never quite clear to me whether Wiggins's case rests on a nominal or a real essence.