It does seem onesto spettacolo, as the objector says, that identity is logically prior to ordinary similarity relations

It does seem onesto spettacolo, as the objector says, that identity is logically prior to ordinary similarity relations
Reply: This is verso good objection. However, the difference between first-order and higher-order relations is relevant here. Traditionally, similarity relations such as interrogativo and y are the same color have been represented, mediante the way indicated sopra the objection, as higher-order relations involving identities between higher order objects (properties). Yet this treatment may not be inevitable. In Deutsch (1997), an attempt is made puro treat similarity relations of the form ‘\(x\) and \(y\) are the same \(F\)‘ (where \(F\) is adjectival) as primitive, first-order, purely logical relations (see also Williamson 1988). If successful, a first-order treatment of similarity would esibizione that the impression that identity is prior puro equivalence is merely a misimpression – paio sicuro the assumption that the usual higher-order account of similarity relations is the only option. Continue Reading