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Single Idea 13924

[from 'Persistence, Change and Explanation' by Sally Haslanger, in 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 3. Three-Dimensionalism ]

Full Idea

The notion that things persist through change is deeply embedded in ideas we have about explanation, and in particular, in the idea that the present is constrained by the past.

Gist of Idea

The persistence of objects seems to be needed if the past is to explain the present

Source

Sally Haslanger (Persistence, Change and Explanation [1989], 1)

Book Reference

'Persistence: contemporary readings', ed/tr. Haslanger,S/|Kurtz,RM [MIT 2006], p.160


A Reaction

I take this to be both an important and an attractive idea. Deniers of persistence (4D-ists) will presumably have some ability to explain the present, but it is the idea of the present being 'constrained' by the past which is a challenge.