Single Idea 6045

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 4. Type Identity]

Full Idea

It would be better to drop talk of 'numerical' and 'qualitative' identity altogether, speaking instead simply of identity and resemblance.

Gist of Idea

It is best to drop types of identity, and speak of 'identity' or 'resemblance'

Source

Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.1 n4)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.2


A Reaction

This is the kind of beautifully simple proposal I pay analytical philosophers to come up with. I will attempt in future to talk either of 'identity' (which is strict), or 'resemblance' (which comes in degrees).