Single Idea 12874

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 12. Essential Parts]

Full Idea

An essential part of an essential part is an essential part of the whole.

Gist of Idea

An essential part of an essential part is an essential part of the whole

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 7.4)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.271


A Reaction

Sounds beyond dispute, but worth pondering. It seems to be only type-parts, not token-parts, which are essential. Simons is thinking of identity rather than function, but he rejects Chisholm's idea that all parts are essential. So which ones are?