more from Stephen Mumford

Single Idea 18617

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance]

Full Idea

Substances can survive a change in their parts in a way that a mere aggregate of parts.

Gist of Idea

Substances, unlike aggregates, can survive a change of parts

Source

Stephen Mumford (Metaphysics: a very short introduction [2012], 3)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction' [OUP 2012], p.29


A Reaction

A simple but very important idea. If we then distinguish between 'substances' and 'aggregates' we get a much clearer grip on things. Is the Ship of Theseus a substance or an aggregate? There is no factual answer to that. What do you want to explain?