Single Idea 16076

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

Full Idea

I want to resuscitate an essentialist argument against the view that constitution is identity, of the form 'x is essentially F, y is not essentially F, so x is not y'.

Gist of Idea

Constitution is not identity, as consideration of essential predicates shows

Source

Lynne Rudder Baker (Why Constitution is not Identity [1997], Intro)

Book Reference

-: 'Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.599


A Reaction

The point is that x might be essentially F and y only accidentally F. Thus a statue is essentially so, but a lump if clay is not essentially a statue. Another case where 'necessary' would do instead of 'essentially'.