Abstract
In a series of papers, Elizabeth Barnes and Robert Williams have developed a theory of metaphysical vagueness in which they argue for legitimacy of vague object and indeterminate identity. In his recent paper, Ken Akiba raises two objections against Barnes-Williams theory, concluding that it is ill-conceived and wrong-headed. In one objection, he argues that the theory implies indeterminate identity between referentially determinate objects to which λ-abstraction is applicable, and hence Evans’ argument ultimately goes through. In the other, he objects that Barnes-Williams theory also fails to block Salmon’s argument. This paper discusses the two objections. It argues that there are legitimate reasons for rejecting both, and hence to revive Barnes-Williams theory. Furthermore, it is shown that the objections, while unsuccessful, are helpful in revealing the limitations of Barnes-Williams theory.
References
Abasnezhad, A., and D. Hosseini. 2014. “Vagueness in the World; a Supervaluationist Approach.” In Vague Objects and Vague Identity: New Essays on Ontic Vagueness, edited by K. Akiba and A. Abasnezhad, 239–56. Dordrecht: Springer.10.1007/978-94-007-7978-5_11Search in Google Scholar
Akiba, K. 2015. “Referential Indeterminacy with an Ontic Source? – A Criticism of Williams’s Defense of Vague Objects.” Metaphysica 16:167–78.10.1515/mp-2015-0011Search in Google Scholar
Barnes, E., and R. Williams. 2009. “Vague Parts and Vague Identity.” Pacific Philosophical Quarterly 90:176–87.10.1111/j.1468-0114.2009.01335.xSearch in Google Scholar
Barnes, E., and R. Williams. 2011. “A Theory of Metaphysical Indeterminacy.” In Oxford Studies in Metaphysics, Volume 6, edited by K. Bennett and D. Zimmerman, 103–48. Oxford: Oxford University Press.10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199603039.003.0003Search in Google Scholar
Evans, G. 1978. “Can There Be Vague Objects?” Analysis 38:208.10.1093/analys/38.4.208Search in Google Scholar
Fine, K. 1975. “Vagueness, Truth and Logic.” Synthese 54:235–59.10.1007/BF00485047Search in Google Scholar
Lewis, D. 1988. “Vague Identity: Evans Misunderstood.” Analysis 48:128–30.10.1093/analys/48.3.128Search in Google Scholar
Parsons, T., and P. Woodruff. 1995. “Worldly indeterminacy of identity.” Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society 95:171–191.10.1093/aristotelian/95.1.171Search in Google Scholar
Parsons, T. 2000. Indeterminate Identity: Metaphysics and Semantics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198250449.001.0001Search in Google Scholar
Salmon, N. 1981. Reference and Essence. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.Search in Google Scholar
Williams, R. 2008a. “Multiple Actualities and Ontically Vague Identity.” The Philosophical Quarterly 58:134–54.10.1111/j.1467-9213.2007.538.xSearch in Google Scholar
Williams, R. 2008b. “Ontic Vagueness and Metaphysical Indeterminacy.” Philosophy Compass 3:763–88.10.1111/j.1747-9991.2008.00151.xSearch in Google Scholar
Williamson, T. 1994. Vagueness. London: Routledge.Search in Google Scholar
Wilson, J. 2013. “A Determinable-Based Account of Metaphysical Indeterminacy.” Inquiry 56:359–85.10.1080/0020174X.2013.816251Search in Google Scholar
©2016 by De Gruyter
