A Solution of the Problem of a “Principle of Individuation”

Abstract

A Solution of the Problem of a “Principle of Individuation”

Abstract

I consider hypothetical complete descriptions of individuals and ask about an epistemological’ principle of individuation, that is, the factor which accounts for no such description’s being applicable to any other individual. I put forward and examine three complementary ontological and meta-ontological hypotheses on every individual conceivable and propose that it is their compound truth (which, marginally, supports a ‘thin’ Aristotelian essentialism) that is that factor. I also give, as I go, some historical information on the research on the principle of individuation.

Keywords: principle of individuation, epistemology, ontology, meta-ontology, Aristotelian essentialism.