Counterpart theory and the paradox of occasional identity

Wolfgang Schwarz*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    7 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Counterpart theory is often advertised by its track record at solving metaphysical puzzles. Here I focus on puzzles of occasional identity, wherein distinct individuals at one world or time appear to be identical at another world or time. To solve these puzzles, the usual interpretation rules of counterpart theory must be extended beyond the simple language of quantified modal logic. I present a more comprehensive semantics that allows talking about specific times and worlds, that takes into account the multiplicity and sortal-dependence of counterpart relations, and that does not require names to denote actual or present individuals. In addition, the semantics I defend does not identify ordinary individuals with world-bound or time-bound stages and thereby avoids the most controversial aspect of counterpart theory. Humphrey's counterpart at other worlds or times is none other than Humphrey himself.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1057-1094
    Number of pages38
    JournalMind
    Volume123
    Issue number492
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2014

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