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    Max Black's two-sphere thought experiment posits a symmet... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→It is not possible for there to be two individuals that are entirely alike or differ only numerically.

    Max Black's two-sphere thought experiment posits a symmetrical universe containing exactly two qualitatively identical iron spheres with no discernible differences.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
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    • 1.Identity requires qualitative difference; two indiscernible objects exemplify that identity and indiscernibility can come apart.
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    • 2.Physics permits multiple objects with identical properties; the thought experiment reflects possible worlds consistent with our laws.
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    • 3.Spatial location provides haecceity (primitive thisness) independent of properties, making distinct spheres metaphysically possible.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.The Indiscernibility of Identicals holds necessarily; if all properties (including spatiotemporal ones) are identical, they're one sphere.
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    • 2.Differences in spatiotemporal location constitute qualitative differences in relational properties, defeating the symmetry claim.
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    • 3.The thought experiment conflates logical possibility with metaphysical possibility; such duplicates may be incoherent, not merely rare.
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    Connections

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    Modality & Possibility1 linkedPersonal Identity1 linked

    Related

    Differences in spatiotemporal location constitute qualitative differences in rel...Identity requires qualitative difference; two indiscernible objects exemplify th...It is not possible for there to be two individuals that are entirely alike or di...Physics permits multiple objects with identical properties; the thought experime...
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    Spatial location provides haecceity (primitive thisness) independent of properti...The Indiscernibility of Identicals holds necessarily; if all properties (includi...The thought experiment conflates logical possibility with metaphysical possibili...

    Details

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    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
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