Single Idea 15220

[catalogued under 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 2. Objects that Change]

Full Idea

Talk about particulars remaining the same and yet lacking their usual capacities and powers is at once to assert and deny that a certain object or sample of material has a given nature.

Gist of Idea

To say something remains the same but lacks its capacities and powers seems a contradiction

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 1.II.C)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.13


A Reaction

They imply that this is a contradiction, and hence impossible. So what do we say about something in which the powers fade? Do they both retain and lose their identity? Or can we separate essence from identity?? Aha!

Related Idea

Idea 15221 The relation between what a thing is and what it can do or undergo relate by natural necessity [Harré/Madden]