Hi Jonathan

RE: “it is a vernacular sense rather than a term of art",

Term of art?  I’m simply asking you what you think the term “like” means in the Nagel context – as “vernacular”, “term of art”, or whatever you like.

For example, does it mean “similar to” as in: “This car is like that one”? Or does it mean something else?

It's a straightforward question; nothing profound.  Just needs a straightforward answer.

RE: “As has been pointed out by linguists you do not ask what 'bucket' means in 'kick the bucket'”

Perhaps - though a non-native speaker might well ask, as any "linguist" should know.

But if the word “bucket” happened to be used in a critical part of a philosophical argument (I can’t imagine how) a careful philosopher might well want to examine its meaning in the context. The meaning of the term “like” is obviously critical to Nagel’s proposition. You’re quoting him as part of your argument. I’m assuming you’re a careful philosopher so I'm asking you what you think it means. Again, nothing profound or mysterious. Simple question.

DA