Combining Philosophers

Ideas for H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim, Cynthia Macdonald and J Ladyman / D Ross

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5 ideas

27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 4. Standard Model / a. Concept of matter
In physics, matter is an emergent phenomenon, not part of fundamental ontology [Ladyman/Ross]
     Full Idea: Physics has taught us that matter in the sense of extended stuff is an emergent phenomenon that has no counterpart in fundamental ontology.
     From: J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 1.2.3)
     A reaction: They contrast this point with futile debates among philosopher between atomists (partless particles) and gunkists (parts all the way down).
That the universe must be 'made of' something is just obsolete physics [Ladyman/Ross]
     Full Idea: It is a metaphysical residue of obsolete physics to suppose that the universe is 'made of' anything.
     From: J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 3.7.2)
     A reaction: They quote Smolin as saying that it is 'processes' which are fundamental. And yet surely there must be something there to undergo a process? Surely we don't have eternal platonic processes?
27. Natural Reality / C. Space / 6. Space-Time
Spacetime may well be emergent, rather than basic [Ladyman/Ross]
     Full Idea: Contemporary physics takes very seriously the idea that spacetime itself is emergent from some more fundamental structure.
     From: J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 1.2.3)
If spacetime is substantial, what is the substance? [Ladyman/Ross]
     Full Idea: It is fair to ask: if spacetime is a substance, what is the substance in question?
     From: J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 3.2)
     A reaction: Personally I love the question 'If it exists, what is it made of?', though physicists seem to think that this reveals a gormless misunderstanding. To my question Keith Hossack retorted 'What are the atoms made of?'
27. Natural Reality / D. Time / 1. Nature of Time / h. Presentism
A fixed foliation theory of quantum gravity could make presentism possible [Ladyman/Ross]
     Full Idea: It has been pointed out that presentism is an open question in so far as a fixed foliation theory of quantum gravity has not been ruled out.
     From: J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 3.7.2 n75)
     A reaction: [They cite B.Monton for this point] I don't understand this idea, but I'll have it anyway. Google 'fixed foliation' for me, as I'm too busy.