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Single Idea 16792

[filed under theme 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 12. Essential Parts ]

Full Idea

That is not the same whole that does not have the same parts.

Gist of Idea

If parts change, the whole changes

Source

William of Ockham (Commentary on the Sentences [1320], IV.13), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 29.2

Book Ref

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.693

A Reaction

In isolation, this is mereological essentialism (as Pasnau confirms), which is incredibly implausible, if I cease to be the same person when I cut one of my fingernails.

The 7 ideas with the same theme [parts of objects seen as essential to it]:

16792 If parts change, the whole changes [William of Ockham]
12884 The same whole ceases to exist if a part is lost [Leibniz]
12781 A composite substance is a mere aggregate if its essence is just its parts [Leibniz]
12139 Mereological essentialism says that every part that ensures the existence is essential [Brody]
8443 Mereological essentialism says an entity must have exactly those parts [Sosa]
14757 Mereological essentialism says an object's parts are necessary for its existence [Sider]
12874 An essential part of an essential part is an essential part of the whole [Simons]