An Analysis of Resemblance

First published in 1952, An Analysis of Resemblance has two-fold aims. The opening chapters seek to present what it is not about. It is not concerned with any sense of resemblance in which that term is used by thinkers generally and widely called Hegelian Idealists. The several subsequent chapters of the work advance an analysis of four senses of resemblance. Two of these four senses would seem to be radical – in the etymological sense of the term. The other two senses are derivative. The concluding chapter advances some considerations as to the bearing of an analysis of resemblance on the matters of universals and taxonomy. Professor Church’s clearly stated ideas will arouse much discussion among students of philosophy. This book helps to round off his studies in this field and is a worthy successor to his earlier works.

R. W. Church