The Distinctness of Objects Near and Far
Abstract
ABSTRACT Philosophers working on the metaphysics of persistence typically do not extend their views to the distinctness of objects at a single time. I argue that we can provide criteria to distinguish objects across time if and only if we can provide criteria to distinguish objects at a time. Furthermore, I endorse a stronger claim. If either diachronic or synchronic distinctness facts have an analysis, then they have a common analysis. In other words, we should analyze diachronic and synchronic distinctness facts in the same way.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Epistemology
Ethics
and Metaphysics
Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Philosophy and Phenomenological Research
- Volume
- 112
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 406–420
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN