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Single Idea 21302

[catalogued under 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 7. Intermittent Objects]

Full Idea

If a church which was formerly of brick fell to ruin, the parish can build the same church of free-stone, with modern architecture. Neither the form nor materials are the same, but their relation to the parishioners is sufficient to say they are the same.

Gist of Idea

If a ruined church is rebuilt, its relation to its parish makes it the same church

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], I.IV.6)

A Reaction

The clearly invites the question of whether this is type-identity or token-identity. If the parish decided they wanted two churches they obviously wouldn't be the same (even if they then demolished the first one).

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.258