Single Idea 21292

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 5. Self-Identity]

Full Idea

We cannot, in any propriety of speech, say that an object is the same with itself, unless we mean that the object existent at one time is the same with itself at another time.

Gist of Idea

Saying an object is the same with itself is only meaningful over a period of time

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], I.IV.2)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.201


A Reaction

This seems correct, but the strict language of identity is superfluous when identifying stolen goods. 'This is my watch', not 'this watch is identical with my watch'.

Related Idea

Idea 21289 'An object is the same with itself' is meaningless; it expresses unity, not identity [Hume]