Bundle theory and weak discernibility

Analytic Philosophy 64 (3):197-210 (2023)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Bundle Theory is the view that every concrete particular object is solely constituted by its universals. This theory is often criticized for not accommodating the possibility of symmetrical universes, such as one that contains two indiscernible spheres two meters from each other in otherwise empty space. One bundle theoretic solution to this criticism holds that the fact that the spheres stand in a weakly discerning—i.e., irreflexive and symmetric—relation, such as being two meters from, is sufficient for the numerical diversity of the spheres. For this solution to be effective, however, it should be established that weak discernibility not only necessitates but also explains numerical diversity. In this paper, I argue that the fact that two objects have a certain distance between them does explain why they are non-identical. I also argue that the worry that the weak discernibility approach has some circularity problems is not well-founded.

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 91,164

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Bundle theory and weak discernibility.Seungil Lee - 2023 - Analytic Philosophy 64 (3):197-210.
Does weak discernibility determine metaphysics?Jonas Rafael Becker Arenhart - 2017 - Theoria: Revista de Teoría, Historia y Fundamentos de la Ciencia 32 (1):109-125.
Weak Discernibility and Relations between Quanta.Joshua Norton - 2015 - Philosophy of Science 82 (5):1188-1199.
Weak discernibility and the identity of spacetime points.Dennis Dieks - 2010 - In Giovanni Macchia, Francesco Orilia & Vincenzo Fano (eds.), Space and Time: A Priori and a Posteriori Studies. De Gruyter. pp. 43-62.
On Discernibility and Symmetries.Tomasz Bigaj - 2015 - Erkenntnis 80 (1):117-135.
Five Indistinguishable Spheres.Adrian Heathcote - 2022 - Axiomathes 32 (2):367-383.
I—James Ladyman: On the Identity and Diversity of Objects in a Structure.James Ladyman - 2007 - Aristotelian Society Supplementary Volume 81 (1):23-43.
The Repeatability Argument and the Non-Extensional Bundle Theory.Matteo Benocci - 2018 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 96 (3):432-446.

Analytics

Added to PP
2022-10-28

Downloads
36 (#417,258)

6 months
16 (#134,238)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Seungil Lee
Oxford University

Citations of this work

No citations found.

Add more citations

References found in this work

On what grounds what.Jonathan Schaffer - 2009 - In David Manley, David J. Chalmers & Ryan Wasserman (eds.), Metametaphysics: New Essays on the Foundations of Ontology. Oxford University Press. pp. 347-383.
Grounding: Toward a Theory of the I n-Virtue-Of Relation.Paul Audi - 2012 - Journal of Philosophy 109 (12):685-711.
The identity of indiscernibles.Max Black - 1952 - Mind 61 (242):153-164.
Primitive thisness and primitive identity.Robert Merrihew Adams - 1979 - Journal of Philosophy 76 (1):5-26.
On being in the same place at the same time.David Wiggins - 1968 - Philosophical Review 77 (1):90-95.

View all 30 references / Add more references