Single Idea 14744

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 3. Unity Problems / d. Coincident objects]

Full Idea

Wiggins says that coincidence is possible only between objects of different kinds. Trees and cats coincide with aggregates of matter, but never trees with trees or cats with cats.

Gist of Idea

Objects can only coincide if they are of different kinds; trees can't coincide with other trees

Source

report of David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001]) by Theodore Sider - Four Dimensionalism 5.3

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Four Dimensionalism' [OUP 2003], p.154


A Reaction

At first glance this sounds quite plausible, but I think this commitment to the priority of kinds produces huge confusion, given that we only derive our notions of kinds from inductions derived from individuals. Language perpetuates old inductions.