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Indiscernibility and the grounds of identity.

Authors :
Elgin, Samuel Z.
Source :
Philosophical Studies. Apr2024, p1-23.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

I provide a theory of the metaphysical foundations of identity: an account of what grounds facts of the form a=b\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$a=b$$\end{document}. In particular, I defend the claim that indiscernibility grounds identity. This is typically rejected because it is viciously circular; plausible assumptions about the logic of ground entail that the fact that a=b\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$a=b$$\end{document} partially grounds itself. The theory I defend is immune to this circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00318116
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Philosophical Studies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176485968
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11098-024-02124-8