Identity of indiscernibles - Definition and Overview

The identity of indiscernibles, also known as Leibniz's Law, states that if there is no way of telling two entities apart then they are one and the same. So "if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it is a duck".

Critique

Max Black has arqued against the identity of indiscernibles by counterexample. He claimed that in the symmetric universe where only two symmetrical spehres exist, it would be possible to discern between the two spehres even though they have all the properties in common.¹

External links

• See http://www.consciousentities.com/tactics.htm

Notes and references

• [1] Metaphysics an Anthology. eds. J. Kim and E. Sosa, Blacwell Publishing, 1999

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