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Single Idea 21289

[from 'Treatise of Human Nature' by David Hume, in 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 5. Self-Identity ]

Full Idea

In that proposition 'an object is the same with itself', if the idea expressed by the word 'object' were no way distinguished from that meant by 'itself', we should really mean nothing. ...One single object conveys the idea of unity, not that of identity.

Gist of Idea

'An object is the same with itself' is meaningless; it expresses unity, not identity

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], I.IV.2)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.200


A Reaction

As far as I can see it is mathematicians who like self-identity, to justify x=x, which they need. To say 'this vase is identical with itself' is an empty locution. It expresses either unity or stability over time. See Idea 21292.

Related Idea

Idea 21292 Saying an object is the same with itself is only meaningful over a period of time [Hume]