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Single Idea 8969

[from 'Reference and Generality (3rd ed)' by Peter Geach, in 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 6. Nihilism about Objects ]

Full Idea

Geach argued that the notion of absolute identity should be abandoned. ..We can only grasp the meaning of a count noun when we associate it with a criterion of identity, expressed by a particular relative identity sortal.

Clarification

'Sortals' are terms for things which can be counted

Gist of Idea

We should abandon absolute identity, confining it to within some category

Source

report of Peter Geach (Reference and Generality (3rd ed) [1980]) by John Hawthorne - Identity

Book Reference

'The Oxford Handbook of Metaphysics', ed/tr. Loux,M /Zimmerman,D [OUP 2005], p.111


A Reaction

In other words, identity needs categorisation. Hawthorne concludes that Geach is wrong. Geach clearly has much common usage on his side. 'What's that?' usually invites a categorisation. Sameness of objects seems to need a 'respect'.