Single Idea 21290

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 1. Concept of Identity]

Full Idea

A mutiplicity of objects can never convey the idea of identity. The mind always pronounces the one not to be the other.

Gist of Idea

Multiple objects cannot convey identity, because we see them as different

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], I.IV.2)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.200


A Reaction

However, if we are talking on the phone about two objects we are viewing, such as two buildings, our descriptions might lead us to conclude that our objects are identical. Thus experience might imply identity.