Single Idea 17001

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 3. Transworld Objects / a. Transworld identity]

Full Idea

A table should not be identified with the set or 'bundle' of its properties, nor with the subset of its essential properties. Don't ask: how can I identify this table in another possible world, except by its properties? I have the table in my hands.

Gist of Idea

A table in some possible world should not even be identified by its essential properties

Source

Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity lectures [1970], Lecture 1)

Book Reference

Kripke,Saul: 'Naming and Necessity' [Blackwell 1980], p.52


A Reaction

You identify the table by what's in front of you, but the essence might be relevant to deciding how far this table could change and remain this table.