Combining Texts

Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Axioms for the Part Relation' and 'Meinong on Complexes and Assumptions'

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3 ideas

9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 3. Objects in Thought
When I perceive a melody, I do not perceive the notes as existing [Russell]
     Full Idea: When, after hearing the notes of a melody, I perceive the melody, the notes are not presented as still existing.
     From: Bertrand Russell (Meinong on Complexes and Assumptions [1904], p.31)
     A reaction: This is a good example, supporting Meinong's idea that we focus on 'intentional objects', rather than actual objects.
9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / c. Individuation by location
Objects only exist if they 'occupy' space and time [Russell]
     Full Idea: Only those objects exist which have to particular parts of space and time the special relation of 'occupying' them.
     From: Bertrand Russell (Meinong on Complexes and Assumptions [1904], p.29)
     A reaction: He excepts space and time themselves. Clearly this doesn't advance our understanding much, but it points to a priority in our normal conceptual scheme. Is Russell assuming absolute space and time?
9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 6. Nihilism about Objects
There is no coming-to-be of anything, but only mixing and separating [Empedocles, by Aristotle]
     Full Idea: Empedocles says there is no coming-to-be of anything, but only a mingling and a divorce of what has been mingled.
     From: report of Empedocles (fragments/reports [c.453 BCE]) by Aristotle - Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) 314b08
     A reaction: Aristotle comments that this prevents Empedocleans from distinguishing between superficial alteration and fundamental change of identity. Presumably, though, that wouldn't bother them.