Can identity be relativized?

Otávio Bueno

pp. 253-262

in: Arnold Koslow, Arthur Buchsbaum (eds), The road to universal logic II, Basel, Birkhäuser, 2015

Abstract

What is the scope of identity? The intuitive response is that it applies everywhere, since every object is identical to itself. In this sense, identity is a general concept. In this chapter, I argue for the generality of identity by critically examining some attempts at relativizing it. I argue that each alleged instance of relativization ultimately presupposes identity, and as a result, identity still stands – in all of its un-relativized glory.