Single Idea 11898

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

Full Idea

A second view of the principle of individuation includes criteria of distinction and persistence, but also determines the counterfactual possibilities for a thing.

Gist of Idea

Individuation may include counterfactual possibilities, as well as identity and persistence

Source

Penelope Mackie (How Things Might Have Been [2006], 8.5)

Book Reference

Mackie,Penelope: 'How Things Might Have Been' [OUP 2006], p.141


A Reaction

It would be a pretty comprehensive individuation which defined all the counterfactual truths about a thing, as well as its actual truths. This is where powers come in. We need to know a thing's powers, but not how they cash out counterfactually.