Jeroen Smid

Title

Tib & Tail, {Tib, Tail}, and Tib + Tail

Abstract

Plural logic, set theory, and classical mereology are structurally very similar. However, I like to think these theories diverge when formulated in a modal language. In particular, I believe that whatever is one of some things, is one of them in all possible worlds. Similarly, I believe that sets have their members necessarily. But I do not believe that a mereological fusion has its parts necessarily. This puts me in an awkward position: is it not special pleading to treat fusions differently from pluralities and sets given their similarities? My talk aims to dispel this awkwardness by discussing, as a case study, Tibbles and objects intimately related to her.

Date/Time/Place

June 21st / 12:40 / Aula 0A