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Single Idea 4647

[from 'The Philosopher's Toolkit' by J Baggini / PS Fosl, in 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 4. Type Identity ]

Full Idea

If you found that I had the same car as you, I don't suppose you would care, but if you found I had the same fiancée as you, you might not be so happy.

Gist of Idea

'I have the same car as you' is fine; 'I have the same fiancée as you' is not so good

Source

J Baggini / PS Fosl (The Philosopher's Toolkit [2003], §4.17)

Book Reference

Baggini,J and Fosl,P.S.: 'The Philosopher's Toolkit' [Blackwells 2003], p.171


A Reaction

A very nice illustration of the ambiguity of "same", and hence of identity. 'I had the same thought as you'. 'I have the same DNA as you'.