Resisting the paradox of increase
Resisting the paradox of increase

Summary/Abstract: The fact that an object gains a new part, when before it didn’t have it, is paradoxical. I argue that a holistic approach that considers change, defined as both increase and decrease of parts, can resist this unwanted implication. The approach requires understanding objects within the context of a world, be it finite or infinite. In such a world, objects can remain themselves even after exchanging parts. The primitive notion of essence (following in the tradition of Kit Fine) is central to this outcome. I argue that the actual world is similar to worlds that permit change, despite some concerns regarding vagueness.

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