Single Idea 8268

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / a. Individuation]

Full Idea

There can be determinate countability even where there is not determinate identity; it is not in dispute that there are two electrons in the shell of a neutral helium atom, even though the identity of electrons is not determinate.

Gist of Idea

Some things (such as electrons) can be countable, while lacking proper identity

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 3.3)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.62


A Reaction

If the electrons could merge like water drops, we would be unable to say when they became one object. You can roughly count waves on the sea, but when you seek an exact total, the identity problem intrudes and prevents precise counting.

Related Idea

Idea 8268 Some things (such as electrons) can be countable, while lacking proper identity [Lowe]