Substance and Property Metaphysics

Substance and property metaphysics explores what things are made of and their characteristics. In this framework, a "substance" refers to an entity that exists independently, like a tree or a person, while "properties" are traits or features, such as color or size. The debate often centers on identity (what makes something the same over time) and change (how it can alter but still be considered the same). For example, if a tree grows or loses leaves, what keeps it recognizable as the same tree? This inquiry helps us understand the nature of existence and the continuity of objects through change.