[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Problem of the many, organismal boundaries

Biology & ecology · 

## Why it looked like it would break the theory

Shed cells, transient microbes, and dying tissue create several plausible organismal boundaries. This can make it appear that the organism has no determinate identity or parts.

## Why it failed

**The counterexample failed** because biological vagueness does not remove distinction. A chosen perspective supplies a working boundary, and a fuzzy edge still distinguishes doubtful cases from what is clearly inside and outside.

Settled by [R4](https://dsrpevidence.org/resolution/4). Not yet published.

[Read it](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/problem-of-many/)

[All cases](https://dsrpevidence.org/counterexamples)