Full Idea
Second, an object can be a part of another in a way that is not relative to time ('timeless'). It is not appropriate to ask when it is a part. Thus pants and jacket are parts of the suit, atoms of a water molecule, and two pints part of a quart of milk.
Gist of Idea
A 'timeless' part just is a part, not a part at some time; some atoms are timeless parts of a water molecule
Source
Kit Fine (Things and Their Parts [1999], Intro)
Book Reference
-: 'Midwest Studs in Philosophy' [-], p.61
A Reaction
[cf Idea 13326 for the other concept of 'part'] Again I am uneasy that 'part' could have two meanings. A Life Member is a member in the same way that a normal paid up member is a member.
Related Idea
Idea 13326 A 'temporary' part is a part at one time, but may not be at another, like a carburetor [Fine,K]