Is a pom-pom sock that has lost its pom-pom still a pom-pom sock?

Question

Or does it just become a regular sock? What is the essence of the pom-pom sock? I have tried to apply different metaphors to this question and can't quite decide. Any philosophy majors out there?

Answer 1

Yes, it is still a pom pom sock, but I would consider it an "altered" or "broken" pom pom sock, or a pom pom sock that is no longer whole.

Answer 2

My take is that once the pom pom is lost, the sock is perceived and categorized under a separate linguistic construct.

Answer 3

I have no idea but I think you just inspired me to take a philosophy class.