principle of identity

USAGE SUMMARY

"principle of identity" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fundamental idea in philosophy that something is itself and does not contradict itself. For example, the principle of identity states that "If something is true, then it is always true."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

For instance, the principle of identity, Everything is identical to itself entails There exists something that is identical to itself.

SEP

Another formulation of the principle of identity asserts that a thing is identical with itself, or (∀x) (x = x), in which ∀ means "for every"; or simply that x is x.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is also why India refuses to adopt the principle of identity cards which can be verified and crosschecked.

The Economist

Laws of thought, traditionally, the three fundamental laws of logic: (1) the law of contradiction, (2) the law of excluded middle (or third), and (3) the principle of identity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principle of identity holds only for being-in-itself.

SEP

(1) equates the PC with the Principle of Identity.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A year earlier, Nicholas of Autrecourt was condemned by Pope Clement VI for holding that one can have certain knowledge only of the logical principles of identity and contradiction and the immediate reports of sensation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, for example, western rationality is marked by principles of identity, non-contradiction, binarism, atomism and determinate individuation.

SEP

This review highlights how the philosophical notion of a 'sortal' – a concept that provides principles of individuation and principles of identity – has been introduced into cognitive developmental psychology.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Some properties, typically expressed by count nouns like 'table' and 'cat,' provide counting principles, or principles of identity, in the sense that they allow us to count objects.

SEP

There are, Maritain holds, four basic principles of metaphysics: the principles of identity, of sufficient reason, of efficient causality, and of finality (i.e., every agent acts for an end).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal logic or philosophical arguments, use "principle of identity" to ensure precision and avoid ambiguity. It's a cornerstone concept in these fields.

Common error

Avoid conflating the "principle of identity" (a thing is identical to itself) with the principle of the "identity of indiscernibles" (if two things have all the same properties, they are identical). They are distinct concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principle of identity" functions as a noun phrase identifying a fundamental concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in philosophical and logical discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principle of identity" is a cornerstone of logic and philosophy, asserting that everything is identical to itself. Grammatically sound and frequently employed, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in academic, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While seemingly straightforward, understanding its nuances and distinguishing it from related concepts like the "identity of indiscernibles" is crucial for precise communication. Utilizing "principle of identity" effectively means employing it within its established sphere of philosophical and logical arguments to prevent ambiguity and ensure accuracy in writing and thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law of identity

Replaces "principle" with "law", emphasizing the formal and established nature of the concept. It's a more concise and direct term for the same concept.

principle of self-identity

Adds "self-" to explicitly emphasize that something is identical to itself.

identity principle

Reorders the words slightly, maintaining the core meaning but with a different emphasis.

principle of individuation

Focuses on what makes something distinct, rather than identical to itself.

principle of consistency

Highlights the aspect of non-contradiction inherent in the principle of identity.

law of thought

Broader term encompassing the principle of identity along with other fundamental logical laws.

reflexivity of identity

This term highlights the reflexive property of identity where an entity is always identical to itself.

fundamental principle of logic

Positions the principle of identity as a cornerstone of logical reasoning.

basic identity rule

Conveys the principle as a foundational guideline for establishing identity.

identity axiom

Highlights that the principle serves as an unprovable truth within a logical system.

FAQs

What does the phrase "principle of identity" mean in philosophy?

In philosophy, the "principle of identity" states that everything is identical to itself (A=A). It's a fundamental law of logic asserting that something is what it is.

How is the "principle of identity" used in logical arguments?

The "principle of identity" is a basic assumption in logical arguments. It ensures that terms maintain a consistent meaning throughout the argument. Violations of this principle can lead to fallacies.

What's the difference between "principle of identity" and "law of identity"?

The terms "principle of identity" and "law of identity" are generally used interchangeably. Both refer to the fundamental concept that something is identical to itself.

Is the "principle of identity" universally accepted?

While generally accepted as a foundational principle, some philosophical perspectives challenge or redefine the "principle of identity", especially in contexts like quantum physics or metaphysics. However, its rejection typically requires careful justification.