Full Idea
To ask why a thing is identical with itself is not to ask a real question in the absence of a clear grasp of the fact ….or of the object.
Gist of Idea
We can't understand self-identity without a prior grasp of the object
Source
Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1041a12)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.228
A Reaction
This seems a very nice response to Lewis's attempt to sweep difficulties of identity aside, when he rests identity on primitive self-identity.
Related Idea
Idea 15968 Identity is simple - absolutely everything is self-identical, and nothing is identical to another thing [Lewis]