more from Saul A. Kripke

Single Idea 11868

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 6. Constitution of an Object]

Full Idea

Could the artificer not, when he made the table, have taken other pieces? Surely he could. [n37: I venture to think that Kripke's argument in note 56 for the necessity of constitution depends on treating constitution as if it were identity].

Gist of Idea

A different piece of wood could have been used for that table; constitution isn't identity

Source

comment on Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity notes and addenda [1972], note 56) by David Wiggins - Sameness and Substance Renewed 4.11

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance Renewed' [CUP 2001], p.134


A Reaction

Suppose the craftsman completed the table, then changed a piece of wood in it for some reason. Has he now made a second table and destroyed the first one? Wiggins seems to be right.