Single Idea 11900

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

Full Idea

We might agree with Wiggins's theory of individuation, but reject his thesis that a thing's principle of individuation (of distinctness and persistence) must be preserved in all counterfactual situations.

Gist of Idea

We can accept criteria of distinctness and persistence, without making the counterfactual claims

Source

comment on David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001]) by Penelope Mackie - How Things Might Have Been 8.7

Book Reference

Mackie,Penelope: 'How Things Might Have Been' [OUP 2006], p.149


A Reaction

I'm not even convinced that initial individuation consists of falling under a sortal, and I prefer to discuss the powers of the thing, rather than counterfactual facts about behaviour.