1st Edition

The Metaphysics of Identity

By André Gallois Copyright 2017
224 Pages
by Routledge

224 Pages
by Routledge

224 Pages
by Routledge

The philosophical problem of identity and the related problem of change go back to the ancient Greek philosophers and fascinated later figures including Leibniz, Locke, and Hume. Heraclitus argued that one could not swim in the same river twice because new waters were ever flowing in. When is a river not the same river? If one removes one plank at a time when is a ship no longer a ship? What is... Read more

1. Introduction

2. Historical Background

3. The Puzzles of Persistence

4. Endurantist Solutions to the Puzzle Cases Part 1

5. Endurantist Solutions to the Puzzle Cases Part 2

6. A Four-dimensional World

7. Identity Criteria, Conventionalism and the Problem of Change.

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Biography

André Gallois is Professor of Philosophy at Syracuse University, USA. His previous publications on issues about identity and persistence include his book Occasions of Identity (OUP, 1998).

'An excellent guide through - and contribution to - the extensive literature on identity and persistence. Gallois’ book is clear and accessible, and usefully brings together an array of historical and contemporary puzzles about how material objects continue to exist through time and change.' - Karen Bennett, Cornell University, USA

'Gallois’s book is an excellent introduction to the philosophical puzzles connected to identity, change, and persistence. Its scope, clarity, and accessibility make it an ideal text for an undergraduate metaphysics course.' - Ryan Wasserman, Western Washington University, USA

'Gallois’s book is a gem. Philosophers at every level will return repeatedly to the text for reference and clarification on the central issues that concern persistence and identity over time. It brings cutting edge and historical work together, and manages to give plenty of detail while remaining accessible to undergraduates.' - Chad Carmichael, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, USA