Single Idea 17513

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 3. Unity Problems / c. Statue and clay]

Full Idea

The statue is marble and man-shaped, but so is the piece of marble. So not only are the two objects in the same place, but two marble and man-shaped objects in the same place, so 'that marble, man-shaped object' must be ambiguous or indefinite.

Gist of Idea

If there are two objects, then 'that marble, man-shaped object' is ambiguous

Source

M.R. Ayers (Individuals without Sortals [1974], 'Prob')

Book Reference

-: 'Canadian Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.120


A Reaction

It strikes me as basic that it can't be a piece of marble if you subtract its shape, and it can't be a statue if you subtract its matter. To treat a statue as an object, separately from its matter, is absurd.