Singular Reference and Unexemplified Haecceities

Abstract

In the preceding chapter, I argued that there are unexemplified nonqualitative haecceities which individuate nonexistent possible concreta, including both nonexistent possible concreta which are mereologically and causally disjoint, and nonexistent possible concreta which are mereological or causal products.¹ As noted earlier, this line of reasoning implies that Strong Extreme Realism is true. Since bifurcated and moderate realist objections to my argument were also answered in that chapter,² there seems to be no barrier remaining to the acceptance of Strong Extreme Realism. Accordingly, in the arguments to follow I assume that Strong Extreme Realism is true, and hence that no form of Moderate Realism is correct.

“The conversion...of these innate potentialities into actual existences.”

[from Huxley Hume iii. 85 (1879)]

“What is and will be latent is little better than nonexistent.”

[Sir T. Browne Christian Morals 75 (1716)]

“Particularize a few drops of the sea, by filling a glasse full of them; then that glasse-full is distinguished from all the rest of the watery Bulke.”

[1643 Digby Observations upon Religio Medici 84 (1644)]

“Let but a sharp cold come, and they unite, they consolidate, these little atoms cohere.”

(1690 Locke An Essay Concerning Human Understanding II. xxiii. § 26)