Single Idea 12059

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

Full Idea

To say that the river is changing constantly in every respect is not to say that it is changing in respect of being a river.

Gist of Idea

A river may change constantly, but not in respect of being a river

Source

David Wiggins (Substance [1995], 4.11.2)

Book Reference

'Philosophy: a Guide Through the Subject', ed/tr. Grayling,A.C. [OUP 1995], p.235


A Reaction

Can't a river become a lake, or a mere stream? Wiggins's proposal does not help with the problem of a river which sometimes dries up (as my local river sometimes does). At what point do we decide it is no longer a river?