Single Idea 12866

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

Full Idea

Composition is asymmetric and transitive: if a is made up of b, and b of c, then a is made up of c; and if a is made of b, then b is not made up of a. We cannot say the snow is made up of the snowball.

Gist of Idea

Composition is asymmetric and transitive

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 6.5)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.238


A Reaction

...And snowballs composed of snow can then compose a snowman (transitivity).