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Full Idea
Mereologists do suppose that constitution is a criterion of identity. This view is enshrined in the Mereological axiom of extensionality; that objects with the same parts are identical.
Gist of Idea
Mereology treats constitution as a criterion of identity, as shown in the axiom of extensionality
Source
Verity Harte (Plato on Parts and Wholes [2002], 3.1)
Book Ref
Harte,Verity: 'Plato on Parts and Wholes' [OUP 2002], p.121
A Reaction
A helpful explanation of why classical mereology is a very confused view of the world. It is at least obvious that a long wall and a house are different things, even if built of identical bricks.
| 15838 | The problem with the term 'sum' is that it is singular [Harte,V] |
| 15837 | What exactly is a 'sum', and what exactly is 'composition'? [Harte,V] |
| 15839 | If something is 'more than' the sum of its parts, is the extra thing another part, or not? [Harte,V] |
| 15841 | Mereology began as a nominalist revolt against the commitments of set theory [Harte,V] |
| 15842 | An ad hominem refutation is reasonable, if it uses the opponent's assumptions [Harte,V] |
| 15848 | Mereology treats constitution as a criterion of identity, as shown in the axiom of extensionality [Harte,V] |
| 15858 | Traditionally, the four elements are just what persists through change [Harte,V] |