more on this theme     |     more from this thinker

Single Idea 15458

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 4. Intrinsic Properties ]

Full Idea

A property is 'intrinsic' iff it never can differ between duplicates; iff whenever two things (actual or possible) are duplicates, either both of them have the property or both of them lack it.

Gist of Idea

A property is 'intrinsic' iff it can never differ between duplicates

Source

David Lewis (Defining 'Intrinsic' (with Rae Langton) [1998], IV)

Book Ref

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.121

A Reaction

This leaves me wondering how one could arrive at a precise definition of 'duplicates'. Can it be done without mentioning that they have the same intrinsic properties?

The 4 ideas from 'Defining 'Intrinsic' (with Rae Langton)'

15400 We must avoid circularity between what is intrinsic and what is natural [Lewis, by Cameron]
15458 A property is 'intrinsic' iff it can never differ between duplicates [Lewis]
15457 Interdefinition is useless by itself, but if we grasp one separately, we have them both [Lewis]
15459 Ellipsoidal stars seem to have an intrinsic property which depends on other objects [Lewis]