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Ideas from 'Commentary on the Sentences' by William of Ockham [1320], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Philosophy in the Middle Ages' by Hyman,A./Walsh,J. [Hackett 1973,0-915145-80-4]].

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9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 12. Essential Parts
16792 If parts change, the whole changes
                        Full Idea: That is not the same whole that does not have the same parts.
                        From: William of Ockham (Commentary on the Sentences [1320], IV.13), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 29.2
                        A reaction: In isolation, this is mereological essentialism (as Pasnau confirms), which is incredibly implausible, if I cease to be the same person when I cut one of my fingernails.