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(Redirected from Principle of identity)
In logic, the 'law of identity' states that an object is always the same as itself (''A'' ≡ ''A''). Any reflexive relation upholds the law of identity; when discussing equality, the fact that "A is A" is a tautology.
In philosophy, the law is often attributed to Aristotle, although it is also claimed that Aristotle never gave this law[1]. However, Aristotle did write, "Now 'why a thing is itself' is a meaningless inquiry (for -- to give meaning to the question 'why' -- the fact or the existence of the thing must already be evident-e.g. that the moon is eclipsed-but the fact that a thing is itself is the single reason and the single cause to be given in answer to all such questions as why the man is man, or the musician musical', unless one were to answer 'because each thing is inseparable from itself, and its being one just meant this' this, however, is common to all things and is a short and easy way with the question)." - Metaphysics Book VII, Part 17
The law of identity has deep impact on Aristotle's ethics as well. In order for a person to be morally praiseworthy or blameworthy for an action, he or she must be the same person before the act as during the act and after the act. Without the law of identity, Aristotle notes, there can be no responsibility for vice (see Nicomachean ethics).
In 2002 Jonathon Keats held a petition drive to pass, A=A as statutory law in Berkeley, California. Specifically, the proposed law stated that, "every entity shall be identical to itself". Any entity caught being unidentical to itself was to be subject to a fine of up to one tenth of a cent. The law did not pass. However it did spark a copycat petition drive in Santa Cruz, California.
[2] [3]
★ Aristotle
★ Aristotle's Organon
★ Equality (mathematics)
★ Laws of thought
1. cf http://www.geniebusters.org/915/04e_ex01C.html
2. Legal Affairs
3. San Francisco Chronicle
★ A is A animation
In logic, the 'law of identity' states that an object is always the same as itself (''A'' ≡ ''A''). Any reflexive relation upholds the law of identity; when discussing equality, the fact that "A is A" is a tautology.
In philosophy, the law is often attributed to Aristotle, although it is also claimed that Aristotle never gave this law[1]. However, Aristotle did write, "Now 'why a thing is itself' is a meaningless inquiry (for -- to give meaning to the question 'why' -- the fact or the existence of the thing must already be evident-e.g. that the moon is eclipsed-but the fact that a thing is itself is the single reason and the single cause to be given in answer to all such questions as why the man is man, or the musician musical', unless one were to answer 'because each thing is inseparable from itself, and its being one just meant this' this, however, is common to all things and is a short and easy way with the question)." - Metaphysics Book VII, Part 17
The law of identity has deep impact on Aristotle's ethics as well. In order for a person to be morally praiseworthy or blameworthy for an action, he or she must be the same person before the act as during the act and after the act. Without the law of identity, Aristotle notes, there can be no responsibility for vice (see Nicomachean ethics).
In 2002 Jonathon Keats held a petition drive to pass, A=A as statutory law in Berkeley, California. Specifically, the proposed law stated that, "every entity shall be identical to itself". Any entity caught being unidentical to itself was to be subject to a fine of up to one tenth of a cent. The law did not pass. However it did spark a copycat petition drive in Santa Cruz, California.
[2] [3]
| Contents |
| See also |
| References |
| External links |
See also
★ Aristotle
★ Aristotle's Organon
★ Equality (mathematics)
★ Laws of thought
References
1. cf http://www.geniebusters.org/915/04e_ex01C.html
2. Legal Affairs
3. San Francisco Chronicle
External links
★ A is A animation
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