perdurantialism

Perdurantialism is a philosophical concept that explores the nature of enduring existence and the properties of things that persist through time. It posits that certain objects, ideas, or entities possess a fundamental essence that remains unchanged despite transformations in their external characteristics or temporal location. This enduring core is what defines the object's identity across different states or moments.

The term itself is derived from the Latin word "perdurare," meaning to last through or endure. Proponents of perdurantialism often engage with questions of identity over time, contrasting their view with theories that suggest identity is solely dependent on a continuous stream of properties. Perdurantialists argue that while properties can change, the underlying substance or identity can remain.

This philosophical stance can be applied to various domains, including the philosophy of mind, where it might suggest that a conscious self persists despite changes in thoughts or memories, or to the philosophy of art, where the essence of a piece of music or a painting might be considered enduring even if its physical medium deteriorates or its interpretations evolve. The concept emphasizes a continuity that transcends mere change, focusing on what it means for something to truly *be* and *remain* throughout its existence.