more from David Wiggins

Single Idea 14749

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 5. Composition of an Object]

Full Idea

Wiggins points out that identity is an atemporal relation whereas composition, like parthood, holds only relative to times.

Gist of Idea

Identity is an atemporal relation, but composition is relative to times

Source

report of David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001]) by Theodore Sider - Four Dimensionalism 5.3

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Four Dimensionalism' [OUP 2003], p.161


A Reaction

If David Cameron is identical to the Prime Minister, that doesn't seem to be atemporal. If x=7 in this problem, I can change x to something else in the next problem. x had better not be equal to 7 and to 9.