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Single Idea 16134

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 5. Self-Identity ]

Full Idea

To ask why a thing is identical with itself is not to ask a real question in the absence of a clear grasp of the fact ….or of the object.

Gist of Idea

We can't understand self-identity without a prior grasp of the object

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1041a12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.228


A Reaction

This seems a very nice response to Lewis's attempt to sweep difficulties of identity aside, when he rest identity on primitive self-identity.

Related Idea

Idea 15968 Identity is simple - absolutely everything is self-identical, and nothing is identical to another thing [Lewis]