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    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

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    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
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    42
    Home/Original/inverse
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    Inverse View

    It is not the case that It is not possible for there to be two individuals that are entirely alike or differ only numerically.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Max Black's two-sphere thought experiment posits a symmetrical universe containing exactly two qualitatively identical iron spheres with no discernible differences.
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    • 2.If such a universe is coherently conceivable without contradiction, then two individuals differing only numerically is metaphysically possible.
      ?

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    • 3.Leibniz's principle conflates epistemic indiscernibility with metaphysical identity, smuggling in a verificationist assumption not independently justified.
      ?

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    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Haecceitism holds that distinct possible worlds can differ solely in which individual occupies a given qualitative role, entailing bare numerical difference is possible.
      ?

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    • 2.David Kaplan and Roderick Chisholm defended individual essences grounded in primitive thisness, not in qualitative properties, making purely numerical difference coherent.
      ?

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    • 3.If haecceity grounds individuation independently of qualitative content, then Leibniz's argument from sufficient reason fails to establish the Identity of Indiscernibles as a necessary truth.
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Saint Thomas Aquinas held this to be true of intelligences (angels).
      ?

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    • 2.The author holds that this principle applies generally to all individuals, not only to intelligences.
      ?

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    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.