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Resisting the paradox of increase
Resisting the paradox of increase

Author(s): CONSTANTIN PRICĂ
Subject(s): Analytic Philosophy
Published by: Editura Universităţii din Bucureşti
Keywords: The Paradox of Increase; The Growing Argument; material constitution; essence;

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.

  • Issue Year: 11/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 51-61
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: English
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