Single Idea 16492

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / a. Individuation]

Full Idea

A theory of individuation must comprise at least three things: an elucidation of the primitive concept of identity or sameness; what it is to be a substance that persists through change; and what it is for a thinker to single out the same substance.

Gist of Idea

Individuation needs accounts of identity, of change, and of singling out

Source

David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance [1980], Pre 1)

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance' [Blackwell 1980], p.1


A Reaction

[compressed] Metaphysics seems to need a theory of identity, but I am not yet convinced that it also needs a theory of 'individuation'. Never mind, press on and create one, and see how it looks. Aristotle wanted to explain predication too.

Related Idea

Idea 16493 Individuation can only be understood by the relation between things and thinkers [Wiggins]