Tadatmya Sambandha – A Study in Relation of Identity

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This book is a outcome of the author’s recent research in the theory of identity in which the concepts of tadatmya and identity are clarified in order to have comprehensive understanding of identity. Since tadatmya is normally understood as identity, the concept of identity is critically considered with reference to the principles of indiscernibility of identicals and identity of indiscernibles. Two important paradoxes of identity due to Frege and Kripke are examined. An attempt has been made to establish interrelationship between absolute identity and relative (essential) identity in Indian and Western contexts. The theory of absolute identity is also analysed with reference to the theory of rigid designation. It is argued that even though the theory of direct reference involves certain form of essentialism, there is necessity to make precise the concepts of essence with reference to scientific understanding of the natural kinds.

R.I. Ingalalli is Reader in Philosophy Karnataka University Dharwad. His other gical Analysis; Meaning and Knowledge, and Jnana – Yoga (in Kannada).

This book is an attempt at interpreting the concept of tadatmya – sambandha as relation of identity found in contemporary logic and epistemology. An attempt has been made to examine recent views on tadatmya and identity.

Since ‘tadatmya’ is normally understood as identity, it is necessary to analyse the concept of identity first. In the First chapter, the concept of identity is critically considered with reference to the principles of indiscernibility of identicals (PID) and identity of indiscernibles (PII). Two important paradoxes of identity formulated by Frege an Kripke are examined. Even though the notion of identity is a familiar one, in the process of identifying someone or something gives rise to cluster of issues coming under the problem of identity. Any adequate theory of identity ought to provide a proper explanation of changing features of the world accounting for its same-ness. In ordinary parlance expressions like ‘same’ ‘similar’ and ‘like’ bear a cognate relation with identity. In technical literature, identity is expressed by the sign ‘=’ which is treated as two place predicate. The classical theory of identity in terms of Leibniz’s law of identity including principles of indiscernibility of identicals and identity of indiscernibles are critically explained and possible objections are also considered and replied. Relative merits and demerits of Frege’s views and Kripke’s ideas on the notion of identity are sorted out.