Single Idea 12510

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 6. Essence as Unifier]

Full Idea

Unity of substance does not comprehend all sorts of identity, and will not determine it in every case.

Gist of Idea

Not all identity is unity of substance

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.27.07)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.332


A Reaction

He has been discussing living things, and persons. If identity is seen functionally, then presumably substance can change while identity is retained. But we must not slide into equating substance [ousia?] with matter [hule?].