Object
The distinction between subject and object is a basic idea of philosophy.
A Subject is a being that exercises agency, undergoes conscious experiences, and is situated in relation to other things that exist outside itself; thus, a subject is any individual, person, or observer.
An object is any of the things observed or experienced by a subject, which may even include other beings (thus, from their own points of view: other subjects).
A simple common differentiation for subject and object is: an observer versus a thing that is observed. In certain cases involving personhood, subjects and Objects can be considered interchangeable where each label is applied only from one or the other point of view. Subjects and objects are related to the philosophical distinction between subjectivity and objectivity: the existence of knowledge, ideas, or information either dependent upon a subject (subjectivity) or independent from any subject (objectivity).
Objects as fundamental entities in metaphysics
Objects are a central concept in Metaphysics, referring to the basic entities that exist in reality. Philosophers have long debated the nature and definition of objects, as well as how they relate to properties and other metaphysical categories.
- Key aspects of objects in metaphysics:
- Typically considered concrete, particular entities that exist in space and time
- Often contrasted with abstract entities like properties or universals
- Subject of ongoing debate regarding their fundamental nature and composition
“Some have it that there are concrete objects and abstract objects. The former are usually described as material and having causal powers, while the latter are usually thought to be immaterial and lack causal powers.”[4]
Reflective questions:
- How do our intuitions about everyday objects align with metaphysical theories of objects?
- What criteria should we use to determine if something qualifies as an object?
Theories of object composition and boundaries
A key challenge in metaphysics is determining what constitutes an object and where its boundaries lie. Various theories have been proposed to address these questions.
- Mereological universalism: Everything composes to form objects, even disparate entities
- Restrictive composition views: Only certain arrangements of parts form genuine objects
- Boundary problem: Difficulty in precisely delineating where one object ends and another begins
“It seems that there’s nothing about reality which makes it clear where one object ends and another begins, or when objects compose larger objects.”[3]
Reflective questions:
- How much of an object can we replace before it becomes a new object?
- Are the boundaries we perceive in objects a feature of reality or human cognition?
Mereology, Ship of Theseus problem, Vagueness in metaphysics
Objects in relation to properties and subjects
Objects are often defined in contrast to other metaphysical categories, particularly properties and subjects. These distinctions help clarify the nature of objects.
- Objects vs. properties:
- Objects as bearers of properties
- Debate over whether properties are parts of objects or related by exemplification
- Objects vs. subjects:
- Objects as “its” contrasted with subjects as “yous”
- Relates to debates in philosophy of mind and consciousness
“There appear to be, for example, tall trees; there also appear to be properties had by those trees, such as being tall.”[4]
Reflective questions:
- Can we conceive of objects without properties, or vice versa?
- How does the subject/object distinction relate to our understanding of consciousness?
Existence and reality of objects
A fundamental question in metaphysics concerns the existence and reality of objects. Philosophers debate whether objects exist independently of our perception and cognition.
- Realism: Objects exist mind-independently in reality
- Idealism: Objects are mental constructs or ideas
- Pragmatism: Objects are defined by their practical effects and our ability to interact with them
“Metaphysically speaking, it could be that there’s no such thing as an object. It’s just a useful linguistic device to help us navigate the world and our lives.”[3]
Reflective questions:
- Do objects have an independent existence, or are they constructs of human cognition?
- How does our understanding of fundamental physics challenge our notion of objects?
Metaphysical realism, Idealism, Scientific realism
[2] https://wrong-about-everything.github.io/Objects/
[3] https://ruth-dm.co.uk/posts/what-is-an-object/
[4] https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/object/
[6] https://forum.philosophynow.org/viewtopic.php?t=10870
[8] https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/67588/what-is-the-definition-of-object-in-philosophy
[9] http://cjishields.com/2—the-object-of-metaphysic.pdf
How do Aristotle’s concepts of Form and Matter influence modern metaphysical theories
What is the difference between Real Essence and Nominal Essence in John Locke’s philosophy
How do Constituent and Relational Ontologies differ in their approach to objects and properties
Can you explain the concept of Mereological Universalism and its implications
How do contemporary metaphysical views address the boundaries of objecthood