more from Hilary Putnam

Single Idea 2351

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

Full Idea

The parts of a lamp stay together when it is moved (which is one of Aristotle's criteria for objecthood).

Gist of Idea

Aristotle says an object (e.g. a lamp) has identity if its parts stay together when it is moved

Source

Hilary Putnam (Representation and Reality [1988], §7 p.110)

Book Reference

Putnam,Hilary: 'Representation and Reality' [MIT 1992], p.110


A Reaction

Metaphysics 1052a26 (just after the cross-reference) says a thing may be unified 'if its movement is single'.

Related Idea

Idea 16508 Things are more unified if the unity comes from their own nature, not from external force [Aristotle]