The Argument From A Paradigmatic Example
The most common argument against mereological essentialism is the view that it cannot be universally true. Take us, ourself, persons. We are humans, living organisms. As organisms we survive by having our parts replaced by, for instance, metabolism or organ transplantation. Or as humans we might have our hair or fingernails cut. All of these procedures do not seem to lead to the nonexistence of the person or for that matter the nonexistence of the living organism. Therefore mereological essentialism cannot be universally true (Plantinga 1975).
Also, if the mereological essentialist believes in presentism, then this argument may fail to convince them. A person who believes in presentism believes that the present is the only relevantly true world. This view is a response to the problem of Qualitative Change.
Read more about this topic: Mereological Essentialism, Arguments Against
Famous quotes containing the word argument:
“This is no argument against teaching manners to the young. On the contrary, it is a fine old tradition that ought to be resurrected from its current mothballs and put to work...In fact, children are much more comfortable when they know the guide rules for handling the social amenities. It’s no more fun for a child to be introduced to a strange adult and have no idea what to say or do than it is for a grownup to go to a formal dinner and have no idea what fork to use.”
—Leontine Young (20th century)