Single Idea 9905

[catalogued under 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 6. Identity between Objects]

Full Idea

Identity statements make sense only in contexts where there exist possible individuating conditions.

Gist of Idea

Identity statements make sense only if there are possible individuating conditions

Source

Paul Benacerraf (What Numbers Could Not Be [1965], III)

Book Reference

'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.286


A Reaction

He is objecting to bizarre identifications involving numbers. An identity statement may be bizarre even if we can clearly individuate the two candidates. Winston Churchill is a Mars Bar. Identifying George Orwell with Eric Blair doesn't need a 'respect'.