display all the ideas for this combination of texts
4 ideas
24065 | Structured wholes are united by the teamwork needed for their capacities [Koslicki] |
Full Idea: A structured whole derives its unity from the way in which its parts interact with other parts to allow both the whole and its parts to manifest those of their capacities which require 'team work' among the parts. | |
From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], Intro) | |
A reaction: This is a culminating thesis of her book. She defends it at length. It looks like a nice theory for things which are lucky enough to have capacities involving teamwork. Does this mean a pebble can't be unified? She wants a dynamic view. |
24066 | The form explains kind, structure, unity and activity [Koslicki] |
Full Idea: Hylomorphists tend to agree that the form (rather than matter) explains 1) kind membership, 2) structure, 3) unity, 4) characteristic activities. | |
From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], 3.2.1) | |
A reaction: [compressed; she explains each of them] Personally I would add continuity through change (statue/clay). Glad to see that kind membership is not part of the form. And what about explaining observed properties? Does form=essence? |
24067 | Hylomorphic compounds need an individual form for transworld identity [Koslicki] |
Full Idea: It is difficult to see how forms could serve as cross-world identity principles for hylomorphic compounds, unless these forms are particular or individual entities. | |
From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], 3.4.3) | |
A reaction: This is a key part of her objection to treating the form as universal or generic. I agree with her view. |
11874 | Real identity admits of no degrees [Reid] |
Full Idea: Wherever identity is real, it admits of no degrees. | |
From: Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 5: Abstraction [1785]), quoted by David Wiggins - Sameness and Substance Renewed 6 epig | |
A reaction: Wiggins quotes this with strong approval. Personally I am inclined to think that identity may admit of no degrees in human thought, because that is the only way we can do it, but the world is full of uncertain identities, at every level. |