more from Peter Simons

Single Idea 12846

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / G. Formal Mereology / 4. Groups]

Full Idea

We call a 'collection' of jewels a 'group' term. Several random musicians are unlikely to be an orchestra. If they come together regularly in a room to play, such conditions are constitutive of an orchestra.

Gist of Idea

A 'group' is a collection with a condition which constitutes their being united

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 4.4)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.146


A Reaction

Clearly this invites lots of borderline cases. Eleven footballers don't immediately make a team, as followers of the game know well.