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Single Idea 15455

[filed under theme 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / b. Individuation by properties ]

Full Idea

The way something is is given by the totality of its intrinsic properties.

Gist of Idea

Total intrinsic properties give us what a thing is

Source

David Lewis (Extrinsic Properties [1983], I)

Book Ref

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.112

A Reaction

No. Some properties are intrinsic but trivial. The 'important' ones fix the identity (if the identity is indeed 'fixed').

The 3 ideas from 'Extrinsic Properties'

14979 Being alone doesn't guarantee intrinsic properties; 'being alone' is itself extrinsic [Lewis, by Sider]
15454 Extrinsic properties come in degrees, with 'brother' less extrinsic than 'sibling' [Lewis]
15455 Total intrinsic properties give us what a thing is [Lewis]