Single Idea 16253

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 5. Natural Properties]

Full Idea

Fragility is not a fundamental physical property, in that two pieces of glass cannot be physically identical save for their fragility.

Gist of Idea

A property is fundamental if two objects can differ in only that respect

Source

Tim Maudlin (The Metaphysics within Physics [2007], 2.5)

Book Reference

Maudlin,Tim: 'The Metaphysics within Physics' [OUP 2007], p.72


A Reaction

Nice. The best idea I have found in Maudlin, so far! This gives a very nice test for picking out the fundamental physical and intrinsic properties.