Single Idea 16065

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 6. Constitution of an Object]

Full Idea

Some insist that constitution is identity, on the grounds that distinct material objects cannot occupy the same place at the same time. Others argue that constitution is not identity, since the statue and its material differ in important respects.

Gist of Idea

Constitution is identity (being in the same place), or it isn't (having different possibilities)

Source

Ryan Wasserman (Material Constitution [2009], Intro)

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.1


A Reaction

The 'important respects' seem to concern possibilities rather than actualities, which is suspicious. It is misleading to think we are dealing with two things and their relation here. Objects must have constitutions; constitutions make objects.