Single Idea 15396

[catalogued under 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 1. Objects over Time]

Full Idea

Criteria for identity across times have proven hard to give. Whatever criteria we lay down, it seems that there are possible situations in which two later objects bear the relevant relation to one earlier object, though only one of them can be identical.

Gist of Idea

Most criteria for identity over time seem to leave two later objects identical to the earlier one

Source

Ross P. Cameron (Intrinsic and Extrinsic Properties [2009], 'Personal')

Book Reference

'Routledge Companion to Metaphysics', ed/tr. Le Poidevin/Simons etc [Routledge 2012], p.267


A Reaction

We only have to think of twins, amoebae that fission, and the Ship of Theseus. We seem to end up inventing a dubious criterion in order to break the tie.