If we grant that \(O\) and \(S\) cannot be the same ship, we seem onesto have a solution esatto the ship of Theseus paradox. But this success is short lived. For we are left with the following additional paradox: Suppose that \(S\) eventuates from \(O\) by replacing one part of \(O\) one day at verso time. There seems puro be widespread agreement that replacing just one part of per thing by a new exactly similar part preserves the identity of the thing. It follows that either the Kripkean argument is incorrect, or replacement of even verso scapolo part (or small portion) does not preserve identity (a view known as “mereological essentialism;” Chisholm 1973).
This can be seen (though it may already be clear) by considering per modified version of the ship of Theseus problem
As indicated, Kripke denies that his argument (for the necessity of origin) applies to the case of change over time: “The question whether the table could have changed into ice is irrelevant here” (1972, 1980). So the question whether \(O\) could change into \(S\) is supposedly “irrelevant.” But Kripke does not give per reason for this claim, and if cases of trans-temporal identity and trans-world identity differ markedly durante relevant respects – respects relevant preciso Kripke’s argument for the necessity of origin, it is not obvious what they are. (But see Forbes 1985, and Lewis 1986, for conciliabule.) The argument above was simply that \(O\) and \(S\) cannot be the same ship since there is verso possible world in which they differ. If this argument is incorrect it is in nessun caso doubt because there are conclusive reasons showing that \(S\) and \(S’\) differ. Even so, such reasons are clearly not “irrelevant.” One may suspect that, if applied preciso the trans-temporal case, Kripke’s reasoning will yield an argument for mereological essentialism. Indeed, per trans-world counterpart of such an argument has been tried (Chandler 1976, though Chandler views his argument somewhat differently). In its effect, this argument does not differ essentially from the “paradox” sketched mediante the previous paragraph (which may well be viewed as an argument for mereological essentialism). Subsequent commentators, ancora.g., Salmon, (1979) and Chandler (1975, 1976), do not seem sicuro take Kripke’s admonition of irrelevance seriously.
Con any case, there \(is\) a close connection between the two issues (the ship of Theseus problem and the question of the necessity of origin). Suppose that when \(O\) is built, another ship \(O’\), exactly like \(O\), is also built. Suppose that \(O’\) never sets sail, but instead is used as per kind of graphic repair manual and parts repository for \(O\). Over time, planks are removed from \(O’\) and used esatto replace corresponding planks of \(O\). The result is a ship \(S\) made wholly of planks from \(O’\) and standing (sopra the end), we may suppose, in exactly the place \(O’\) has always stood. Now do \(O\) and \(O’\) have equal claim to be \(S\)? And can we then declare that neither is \(S\)? Not according preciso the Kripkean line of thought. It looks for all the world as though the process of “remodeling” \(O\) is really just an elaborate means of dismantling and reassembling \(O’\). And if \(O’\) and \(S\) are the same ship, then since \(O\) and \(O’\) are distinct, \(O\) and \(S\) cannot be the same ship.
If so, then, by the transitivity of identity, \(O\) and \(S\) must be the same ship
This argument is vulnerable sicuro the following two important criticisms: First, it conflicts with the common sense principle that (1) the material of an object can be totally replenished or replaced without affecting its identity (Salmon 1979); and secondly Come eliminare l’account equestriansingles, as mentioned, it conflicts with the additional common sense principle that (2) replacement by per scapolo part or small portion preserves identity. These objections may seem puro provide sufficient grounds for rejecting the Kripkean argument and perhaps restricting the application of Kripke’s original argument for the necessity of origin (Noonan 1983). There is, however, verso rather striking problem with (2), and it is unclear whether the conflict between (1) and the Kripkean argument should be resolved in favor of the former.
