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Single Idea 13259

[from 'Parmenides' by Plato, in 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 8. Parts of Objects / c. Wholes from parts ]

Full Idea

The One must be composed of parts, both being a whole and having parts. So on both grounds the One would thus be many and not one. But it must be not many, but one. So if the One will be one, it will neither be a whole, nor have parts.

Gist of Idea

It seems that the One must be composed of parts, which contradicts its being one

Source

Plato (Parmenides [c.364 BCE], 137c09), quoted by Kathrin Koslicki - The Structure of Objects 5.2

Book Reference

Koslicki,Kathrin: 'The Structure of Objects' [OUP 2008], p.95


A Reaction

This is the starting point for Plato's metaphysical discussion of objects. It seems to begin a line of thought which is completed by Aristotle, surmising that only an essential structure can bestow identity on a bunch of parts.