Deflating Existential Consequence

A Case for Nominalism

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Logic
Cover of the book Deflating Existential Consequence by Jody Azzouni, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jody Azzouni ISBN: 9780190289454
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: January 8, 2004
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Jody Azzouni
ISBN: 9780190289454
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: January 8, 2004
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

If we must take mathematical statements to be true, must we also believe in the existence of abstracta eternal invisible mathematical objects accessible only by the power of pure thought? Jody Azzouni says no, and he claims that the way to escape such commitments is to accept (as an essential part of scientific doctrine) true statements which are about objects that don't exist in any sense at all. Azzouni illustrates what the metaphysical landscape looks like once we avoid a militant Realism which forces our commitment to anything that our theories quantify. Escaping metaphysical straitjackets (such as the correspondence theory of truth), while retaining the insight that some truths are about objects that do exist, Azzouni says that we can sort scientifically-given objects into two categories: ones which exist, and to which we forge instrumental access in order to learn their properties, and ones which do not, that is, which are made up in exactly the same sense that fictional objects are. He offers as a case study a small portion of Newtonian physics, and one result of his classification of its ontological commitments, is that it does not commit us to absolute space and time.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

If we must take mathematical statements to be true, must we also believe in the existence of abstracta eternal invisible mathematical objects accessible only by the power of pure thought? Jody Azzouni says no, and he claims that the way to escape such commitments is to accept (as an essential part of scientific doctrine) true statements which are about objects that don't exist in any sense at all. Azzouni illustrates what the metaphysical landscape looks like once we avoid a militant Realism which forces our commitment to anything that our theories quantify. Escaping metaphysical straitjackets (such as the correspondence theory of truth), while retaining the insight that some truths are about objects that do exist, Azzouni says that we can sort scientifically-given objects into two categories: ones which exist, and to which we forge instrumental access in order to learn their properties, and ones which do not, that is, which are made up in exactly the same sense that fictional objects are. He offers as a case study a small portion of Newtonian physics, and one result of his classification of its ontological commitments, is that it does not commit us to absolute space and time.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Emotional Processing of Traumatic Experiences Therapist Guide by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Geriatric Palliative Care by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book When Church Became Theatre by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book The Impact of Gender Quotas by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Pyrrhonian Skepticism by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Normative Subjects by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book The Promise of Preschool by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Let the People See by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book The Global Offensive by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book MBA for Healthcare by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Deposition 1940-1944 by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Film is Like a Battleground by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Object Lessons by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book The Cold War in the Third World by Jody Azzouni
Cover of the book Growing Musicians by Jody Azzouni
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy