Single Idea 12822

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / G. Formal Mereology / 2. Terminology of Mereology]

Full Idea

A 'proper or improper part' is expressed by 'x < y', read as 'x is (a) part of y'. The relatively minor deviation from normal usage (of including an improper part, i.e. the whole thing) is warranted by its algebraical convenience.

Gist of Idea

Proper or improper part: x < y, 'x is (a) part of y'

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 1.1.02)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.11


A Reaction

Including an improper part (i.e. the whole thing) is not, Simons points out, uncontroversial, because the part being 'equal' to the whole is read as being 'identical' to the whole, which Simons is unwilling to accept.