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Single Idea 18439

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 12. Denial of Properties ]

Full Idea

No two classes have exactly the same members, but two different attributes may be attributes of exactly the same things. Classes are identical when their members are identical. ...On the other hand, attributes have no clear principle of individuation.

Gist of Idea

Because things can share attributes, we cannot individuate attributes clearly

Source

Willard Quine (On the Individuation of Attributes [1975], p.100)

Book Ref

Quine,Willard: 'Theories and Things' [Harvard 1981], p.100

The 4 ideas from 'On the Individuation of Attributes'

18439 Because things can share attributes, we cannot individuate attributes clearly [Quine]
18440 Identity of physical objects is just being coextensive [Quine]
18441 No entity without identity (which requires a principle of individuation) [Quine]
18442 You only know an attribute if you know what things have it [Quine]