What the study found
The paper argues that the theory of arbitrary reference is inconsistent with the thesis that weakly discernible entities are metaphysically possible. Weakly discernible entities are described as two entities that share all intrinsic and relational properties but are linked by a symmetric and irreflexive relation.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this matters because, if weakly discernible entities are metaphysically possible, then the theory of arbitrary reference is false. They also say that some claimed applications of arbitrary reference depend on that same thesis, so projects such as ante rem structuralism would fail if the argument goes through.
What the researchers tested
This is a philosophical argument in which the author examines the theory of arbitrary reference, first proposed by Breckenridge and Magidor in 2012, against the thesis that weakly discernible entities are metaphysically possible. The abstract does not describe an empirical method.
What worked and what didn't
The paper’s central claim is that arbitrary reference and the metaphysical possibility of weakly discernible entities cannot both be true. The abstract also says the thesis that weakly discernible entities are possible is strikingly plausible and supported by a variety of arguments, while the theory of arbitrary reference would be false if that thesis is true.
What to keep in mind
The abstract presents an argumentative conclusion rather than a data-based result. It does not give the full argument details or describe any empirical limitations.
Key points
- The paper argues that arbitrary reference is inconsistent with the metaphysical possibility of weakly discernible entities.
- Weakly discernible entities are described as entities that share all intrinsic and relational properties but stand in a symmetric, irreflexive relation.
- The authors say the thesis that weakly discernible entities are metaphysically possible is strikingly plausible and supported by several arguments.
- The abstract says some applications of arbitrary reference depend on that thesis, including ante rem structuralism.
- No empirical method is described; the paper is presented as a philosophical argument.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Arbitrary reference conflicts with weak discernibility
- Authors:
- Sofía Meléndez Gutiérrez
- Institutions:
- Universidad de Guadalajara
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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