more from Trenton Merricks

Single Idea 6134

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 1. Physical Objects]

Full Idea

Some - such as those who endorse unrestricted composition or those who believe in a kind of entity called 'a mass' - say that 'the water in the swimming pool' refers to a big material object.

Gist of Idea

Is swimming pool water an object, composed of its mass or parts?

Source

Trenton Merricks (Objects and Persons [2003], §2.I)

Book Reference

Merricks,Trenton: 'Objects and Persons' [OUP 2003], p.30


A Reaction

A well-chosen example to support his thesis that large objects don't (strictly) exist. We certainly must not say (in Quine fashion) that we must accept the ontology of our phrases. I cut nature at the joints, and I say a pool is an obvious joint.