Relation arises from successive perceptions and identity is negation of diversity
Evidence
No two entities of any kind can present themselves simultaneously to the mind; no, nor can so much as the same object present itself at different times, without presenting the idea of Relation. For relation is a fictitious entity, which is produced, and has place, as often as the mind, having perception of any one object, obtains, at the same, or at any immediately succeeding instant, perception of any other object, or even of that same object, if the perception be accompanied with the perception of its being the same; Diversity is, in the one case, the name of the relation, Identity in the other case. But, as identity is but the negation of diversity, thence if, on no occasion, diversity had ever been, neither, on any occasion, would any such idea as that of identity have come into existence. — Jeremy Bentham, The Panopticon Writings, 484
Categorization
- DEFINE: Bentham reduces identity and diversity to relations generated by the temporal sequence of perceptions.
- XREF: connects to: Articulated unity relates parts through differences and subordination, not identity; Identity is formed through contrast with difference
Related
- Identity is formed through contrast with difference (similarity 0.89)
- Identity relations involve more than a single sameness-difference axis. (similarity 0.79)
- Difference is relational, embedded in power, and generative. (similarity 0.78)