Transitive nature of equals method

Question

The contract for equals(object) method specifies 4 properties to follow: Reflexive, Symmetric, Transitive and Consistent. While I understand the danger of not f

Answer 1

Consider Object a == b == c with a != c ( non transitive equality )

First problem would be hashcode() contract which requires that hashcodes are equal if objects are equal. And you will be able to add a and c to the same set - this can lead to subtle problems in unexpected places