Single Idea 6054

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 5. Self-Identity]

Full Idea

Sherlock Holmes does not exist, but he is self-identical (he is certainly not indentical to Dr Watson).

Gist of Idea

Sherlock Holmes does not exist, but he is self-identical

Source

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

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.10


A Reaction

Most significant. Identity does not entail existence; identity is necessary for existence (I think) but not sufficient. But the notion of existence might be prior to the notion of identity, and the creation of Holmes be parasitic on real existence.