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Single Idea 15458

[from 'Defining 'Intrinsic' (with Rae Langton)' by David Lewis, in 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 4. Intrinsic Properties ]

Full Idea

A property is 'intrinsic' iff it never can differ between duplicates; iff whenever two things (actual or possible) are duplicates, either both of them have the property or both of them lack it.

Gist of Idea

A property is 'intrinsic' iff it can never differ between duplicates

Source

David Lewis (Defining 'Intrinsic' (with Rae Langton) [1998], IV)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.121


A Reaction

This leaves me wondering how one could arrive at a precise definition of 'duplicates'. Can it be done without mentioning that they have the same intrinsic properties?