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Single Idea 7926

[from 'Varieties of Things' by Cynthia Macdonald, in 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / e. Individuation by kind ]

Full Idea

We can usefully refer to 'individuation conditions', to distinguish objects of that kind from objects not of that kind, and to 'identity conditions', to distinguish objects within that kind from one another.

Gist of Idea

We 'individuate' kinds of object, and 'identify' particular specimens

Source

Cynthia Macdonald (Varieties of Things [2005], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Macdonald,Cynthia: 'Varieties of Things' [Blackwell 2005], p.59


A Reaction

So we individuate types or sets, and identify tokens or particulars. Sounds good. Should be in every philosopher's toolkit, and on every introductory philosophy course.

Related Idea

Idea 8291 Individuation principles identify what kind it is; identity criteria distinguish items of the same kind [Lowe]