Question

For any objects, it is traditionally assumed that that either the objects are identical or distinct, and not both. Vague identity is a view that rejects this absoluteness of identity. Its proponents claim that it is possible that it be vague whether or not some objects are identical. Some discussions run this together with Parsons' view that it is possible it be indeterminate whether or not objects are identical. `is an integer greater than thirty' has sharp boundaries, has no borderline cases, and is not susceptible to sorites paradoxes. If vague identity means can appear in a vague identity statement. If so, can only precise things be an integer greater than thirty, so that not everything has a vague identity? Does that mean not everything is vague?

Answer 1

Vague identity suggests that objects can, at times, have identities that are not sharply defined, yet not all identities are vague. Concepts with clear definitions, like mathematical identities, exhibit precision. Complex concepts and common intuitions may involve vagueness and indeterminacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of vague identity challenges the traditional view that objects are either distinct or identical. Philosophers argue that identity may not be absolute and can sometimes be vague or indeterminate. For example, the concept of 'being an integer greater than thirty' is not vague but exhibits sharp boundaries and clarity. It suggests that not all concepts or objects have a vague identity, and indeed, some identities and descriptions (like that in mathematics) are precise and clear, escaping the troubles of vague or indeterminate identity. On the other hand, Aristotle pointed out that complex concepts like 'the good' cannot be reduced to a simple form and can be understood in many ways, acknowledging the existence of vague concepts. Likewise, intuitions and common sense play a role in how we recognize certain truths, but we must differentiate between what is intuitively certain and what may simply be a belief or a perspective.