Combining Philosophers

All the ideas for H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim, J. Alberto Coffa and Hugh LaFollette

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12 ideas

4. Formal Logic / F. Set Theory ST / 4. Axioms for Sets / j. Axiom of Choice IX
Choice suggests that intensions are not needed to ensure classes [Coffa]
12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 8. A Priori as Analytic
The semantic tradition aimed to explain the a priori semantically, not by Kantian intuition [Coffa]
12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 11. Denying the A Priori
Platonism defines the a priori in a way that makes it unknowable [Coffa]
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction
Six reduction levels: groups, lives, cells, molecules, atoms, particles [Putnam/Oppenheim, by Watson]
15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 5. Generalisation by mind
Mathematics generalises by using variables [Coffa]
20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 5. Action Dilemmas / a. Dilemmas
Errors in moral practice might be inconsistent or inappropriate principles, or inappropriate application [LaFollette]
We can discuss the criteria of a judgment, or the weight given to them, or their application [LaFollette]
20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 5. Action Dilemmas / c. Omissions
The act/omission distinction is important for duties, but less so for consequences [LaFollette]
23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty
Are we only obligated by agreement, or should we always help the weak? [LaFollette]
25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 2. Moral rights
Too many options may open us to unwanted pressures, like being paid very little [LaFollette]
Should people be forced to make choices? [LaFollette]
27. Natural Reality / D. Time / 1. Nature of Time / a. Absolute time
Relativity is as absolutist about space-time as Newton was about space [Coffa]