Single Idea 16785

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / b. Individuation by properties]

Full Idea

Given the accepted linkage between a thing's essence and its identity, the rejection of essences makes a complete mess out of questions of individuation.

Gist of Idea

If you reject essences, questions of individuation become extremely difficult

Source

Robert Pasnau (Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 [2011], 27.6)

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.654


A Reaction

I note that he talks of a thing having 'identity', contra the view of identity as a two-place relation. I agree with this, but there is a chicken-egg problem. Do I perceive an identity and surmise an essence, or surmise an essence and deduce identity?