more from Graeme Forbes

Single Idea 12022

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 11. Essence of Artefacts]

Full Idea

Sameness of parts is not sufficient for identity of artefacts at a world, since the very same parts may turn up at different times as the parts of artefacts with different designs and functions.

Gist of Idea

Same parts does not ensure same artefact, if those parts could constitute a different artefact

Source

Graeme Forbes (The Metaphysics of Modality [1985], 7.2)

Book Reference

Forbes,Graeme: 'The Metaphysics of Modality' [OUP 1985], p.168


A Reaction

Thus the Ship of Theseus could be dismantled and turned into a barn (as happened with the 'Mayflower'). They could then be reconstituted as the ship, which would then have two beginnings (as Chris Hughes has pointed out).