Single Idea 12879

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 4. Ontological Dependence]

Full Idea

An object a is ontologically independent of b if a can exist without b, if there is a possible world in which in which a exists and b does not. In the strongest sense, an object is independent if it could be all there is.

Gist of Idea

Independent objects can exist apart, and maybe even entirely alone

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 8.4)

Book Reference

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.301


A Reaction

Simons calls the strongest version a 'startling' one which maybe not even God could achieve.