Economics Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
| |||
|
| |||
| Modal properties: are properties that are not attributed actually to an object, but are attributed in a possible world. A modal property is e.g. the property of being happier under other circumstances. The question is whether an object in the actual world must have a certain quality in order to have different properties in another world. See also modal logic, modal realism, possible worlds, centered worlds, contingency, possibility, necessity, properties, extensionality._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
| Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peter M. Simons on Modal Properties - Dictionary of Arguments
I 111 Sum/mereology/Simons: assuming, we think of any portions of space-time as evidenced by any sums. Then there is the question whether the relevant predicates are cumulative. Def cumulative predicate: if a sum exists, then the predicate which applies to it also applies to the whole, too (whole unequal sum), e.g. mass terms can form any sums. Non-cumulative: e.g. "is a human being". The sum can occupy the same space-time as the corresponding individual, without being identical with it. I 113 Sum/mereology: a sum only exists because its parts exist. ((s) So holistically an individual who exists only exists because other individuals exist.) I 191 Tibbles/Wiggins: thesis: the cat Tibbles is not identical with the sum Tib + Tail. >Tibbles-example. Despite the permanent coincidence, because only Tibbles and not the sum has the modal property to continue to exist, if the tail gets lost. I 266 Sum/identity conditions/Simons: sums have no autonomous identity conditions. E.g. sum Tib + Tail is not identical with the cat Tibbles, although it never loses its tail. The modal property of the "could-get-lost" is critical. This is non-identity despite coincidence. I 291 Sum/mereology/Simons: there are even sums across the categories (mixed-categorical sums): e.g. a body and the events that happened to it ((s) its life story.) >Mereological sum. I 354 Sum/mereology/Simons: here the structure does not matter._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Simons I P. Simons Parts. A Study in Ontology Oxford New York 1987 |
||
> Counter arguments against Simons
> Counter arguments in relation to Modal Properties
