Single Idea 10664

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 5. Composition of an Object]

Full Idea

Complex particulars are of at least three types: masses (which sum, of which we do not ask 'how many?' but 'how much?'); composite individuals (how many?, and summing usually fails); and sets (only divisible one way, unlike composites).

Gist of Idea

Complex particulars are either masses, or composites, or sets

Source

Keith Hossack (Plurals and Complexes [2000], 1)

Book Reference

-: 'British Soc for the Philosophy of Science' [-], p.412


A Reaction

A composite pile of grains of sand gradually becomes a mass, and drops of water become 'water everywhere'. A set of people divides into individual humans, but redescribe the elements as the union of males and females?