The Aristotelian Proof: Premise 15

Premise 15: In order for there to be more than one purely actual actualizer, there would have to be some differentiating feature that one such actualizer has that the others lack.


Here’s what this means: Feser appears to commit himself to the following general principle: If X and Y have all and only the same features, then X = Y.  This principle looks like one known as the Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles (PII). There cannot be two or more things of some kind that differ in no way at all. This principle has been called into question in a bunch of places. However, most, if not all, of the worries raised about the principle concern objects that are material. So, it might be that PII is false with respect to some kinds of things but true with respect to others. In that case, Premise 15 would probably emerge unscathed. This is especially true with respect to an immaterial, eternal, immutable being. So, while it is important, I think, to point out the connection between Premise 15 and the PII, it is probably not a major concern.

Question: what do you think? Is it possible to have two completely distinct things that differ in absolutely no way at all?

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