more from Robert Merrihew Adams

Single Idea 14508

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / d. Individuation by haecceity]

Full Idea

A thisness is the property of being identical with a certain particular individual - not the property that we all share, of being identical with some individual, but my property of being identical with me, your property of being identical with you etc.

Gist of Idea

A 'thisness' is a thing's property of being identical with itself (not the possession of self-identity)

Source

Robert Merrihew Adams (Primitive Thisness and Primitive Identity [1979], 1)

Book Reference

'Metaphysics - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 1999], p.172


A Reaction

These philosophers tell you that a thisness 'is' so-and-so, and don't admit that he (and Plantinga) are putting forward a new theory about haecceities, and one I find implausible. I just don't believe in the property of 'being-identical-to-me'.

Related Idea

Idea 14512 Moderate Haecceitism says transworld identities are primitive, but connected to qualities [Adams,RM]