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    If sortal-relative identity conditions are semantically p... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→The formal proof that there is no such thing as relative identity requires that there are no ad hoc sortals.

    If sortal-relative identity conditions are semantically primitive and language-entry governed, the demand for a sortal-neutral proof of identity is itself philosophically unmotivated.

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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Language-entry governance shows identity conditions depend on how sortal concepts structure our linguistic practices, not pre-linguistic metaphysical facts.
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    • 2.A sortal-neutral identity proof would require identity to be determinable independent of conceptual schemes, but identity is inherently conceptually mediated.
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    • 3.If identity conditions are primitive at the sortal level, seeking reduction to sortal-neutral grounds commits a category mistake about explanatory structure.
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    Reasons Against

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    Reason against
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    • 1.Even if sortal-relative identity is linguistically primitive, that doesn't preclude asking what makes sortal distinctions themselves semantically valid or justified.
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    • 2.Language-entry governance may explain concept acquisition without explaining what identity facts themselves are, leaving the metaphysical question open.
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    • 3.The demand for sortal-neutral identity criteria may reflect legitimate metaphysical inquiry, not philosophical confusion about what semantics can answer.
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    Key Terms

    Language-entry governed(as used in philosophy of language)
    Controlled or determined by how we learn and use words in everyday language, rather than derived from deeper logical principles.
    Philosophically unmotivated(as used in philosophical argumentation)
    A position or belief that lacks good philosophical reasons or justification for holding it.
    Semantically primitive(as used in philosophy of language)
    Something that is basic and fundamental in meaning—it doesn't need to be defined or broken down into simpler parts.
    Sortal-neutral(as used in metaphysics)
    A way of discussing something that doesn't depend on knowing what *kind* or *category* it belongs to.
    identity conditions(Metaphysics of mental states)
    The criteria that determine what makes an entity the same entity across time or contexts, i.e., what individuates it.
    sortal(Used to ground identity claims between objects picked out by singular terms)
    A kind or category (G) that an object falls under, which supports identity and counting claims of the form 'the same G as'

    Connections

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    Consciousness & Mind1 linked

    Related

    A sortal-neutral identity proof would require identity to be determinable indepe...Even if sortal-relative identity is linguistically primitive, that doesn't precl...If identity conditions are primitive at the sortal level, seeking reduction to s...Language-entry governance may explain concept acquisition without explaining wha...

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    Language-entry governance shows identity conditions depend on how sortal concept...The demand for sortal-neutral identity criteria may reflect legitimate metaphysi...The formal proof that there is no such thing as relative identity requires that ...