Why Sortal Concepts Rather Than Sortal Properties?

On Yoshiyuki Yokoro’s Identity and Individuals

Abstract

    In his recent book Identity and Individuals, Yoshiyuki Yokoro proposes a theory of identity based on sortal concepts. He acknowledges that identity is a simple concept and unanalyzable. However, it is not a futile task to ask how the concept of identity is linked to other concepts. This book aims to “elucidation” such identity, and the key concept in such an attempt is sortal concepts, such as cats and rivers. In my opinion, it is important that he regarded sortals as “concepts” rather than “properties”. On the one hand, it shows the shortcomings of his metaphysical position, and on the other hand, it expresses his methodological “humility”.