Full Idea
The conventionalist faces paradox if they hold that conventions are logically prior to people (since this plurality requires conventions of individuation), and people are logically prior to conventions (if they make up the conventions).
Gist of Idea
To individuate people we need conventions, but conventions are made up by people
Source
Amie L. Thomasson (Ordinary Objects [2007], 03.3)
Book Reference
Thomasson,Amie L.: 'Ordinary Objects' [OUP 2010], p.68
A Reaction
[Sidelle is the spokesman for conventionalism] The best defence would be to deny the second part, and say that conventions emerge from whatever is there, but only conventions can individuate the bits of what is there.