Abstract
The subject of this chapter is the identity of individual dynamical objects and properties. Two problems have dominated the literature: trans-temporal identity and the relation between composition and identity. Most traditional approaches to identity rely on some version of classification via essential or typical properties, whether nominal or real. Nominal properties have the disadvantage of producing unnatural classifications, and have several other problems. Real properties, however, are often inaccessible or hard to define (strict definition would make them nominal). I suggest that classification should be in terms of dynamical properties of systems, starting with individual systems rather than classes, and working up by abstractions that fit causal generalities. The advantage of this approach is that individuality is testable and revisable as we come to know more about systems. Another advantage is that if anything is real, then it is the dynamical. Once I have presented this approach in general, I will show that the central concept of dynamical cohesion (the “dividing glue”) is amenable to giving a principled account of individuation as a process, at the same time explaining the origin of diversity. Some other advantages of this approach are presented, including how it can be used as a basis for testable classifications. This last has moral implications, since cohesion at the individual and the social levels, and their interactions, can impinge on proper moral decisions.
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Notes
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It is an interesting question as to whether any singular equivalence relation A such that A is an equivalence relation, and (a)(b)(aAb ⊃ a=b) must be the identity relation. In general this is not so, since there may be other relations under which a and b are not equivalent. However, if (a)(b)(aAb ⊃ a=b) is necessary, then aAb entails the identity relation a=b. Still, A need not be the identity relation; being the same size as itself is an example.
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These points are applied to identity and diversity of ecosystems in (Collier and Cumming forthcoming), and to levels in hierarchies in (Collier 2003).
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A student of mine, Tony Horn, has argued that B3 is implied by B2, combining propensity with intensity. In any case, the average is over both, with low intensity but common insults undermining system integrity, along with high intensity but low propensity insults. The propensities typically change with time (age) of the system, as can intensities. Older organisms and ecosystems tend to be more fragile.
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Collier, J. (2010). A Dynamical Approach to Identity and Diversity in Complex Systems. In: Cilliers, P., Preiser, R. (eds) Complexity, Difference and Identity. Issues in Business Ethics, vol 26. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9187-1_5
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