Single Idea 7951

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 2. Need for Universals]

Full Idea

We can distinguish between numerical identity and qualitative identity. Numerical sameness is explained by a theory of identity, but what explains qualitative sameness?

Gist of Idea

Numerical sameness is explained by theories of identity, but what explains qualitative identity?

Source

Cynthia Macdonald (Varieties of Things [2005], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Macdonald,Cynthia: 'Varieties of Things' [Blackwell 2005], p.219


A Reaction

The distinction is between type and token identity. Tokens are particulars, and types are sets, so her question comes down to the one of what entitles something to be a member of a set? Nothing, if sets are totally conventional, but they aren't.