Single Idea 16015

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 2. Defining Identity]

Full Idea

If identity is problematic, it is difficult to see how the problem could be resolved, since it is difficult to see how a thinker could have the conceptual resources with which to explain the concept of identity whilst lacking that concept itself.

Gist of Idea

Problems about identity can't even be formulated without the concept of identity

Source

Harold Noonan (Identity [2009], §1)

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.2


A Reaction

I don't think I accept this. We can comprehend the idea of a mind that didn't think in terms of identities (at least for objects). I suppose any relation of a mind to the world has to distinguish things in some way. Does the Parmenidean One have identity?