Single Idea 18514

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 8. Parts of Objects / c. Wholes from parts]

Full Idea

A whole - or some wholes - might be thought to survive gradual replacement of its parts, perhaps, but not their elimination.

Gist of Idea

Many wholes can survive replacement of their parts

Source

John Heil (The Universe as We Find It [2012], 03.1)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'The Universe as We Find It' [OUP 2012], p.34


A Reaction

You can't casually replace the precious golden parts of a statue with cheap lead ones. It depends on whether the parts matter. Nevertheless this is a really important idea in metaphysics. It enables the s=Ship of Theseus to survive some change.