Single Idea 12214

[catalogued under 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 1. Nature of Existence]

Full Idea

The most natural reading of 'electrons exist' is that there are electrons while, on our view, the proper reading should be modeled on 'electrons spin', meaning every electron spins. 'Exists' should be treated as a predicate rather than a quantifier.

Gist of Idea

'Exists' is a predicate, not a quantifier; 'electrons exist' is like 'electrons spin'

Source

Kit Fine (The Question of Ontology [2009], p.167)

Book Reference

'Metametaphysics', ed/tr. Chalmers/Manley/Wasserman [OUP 2009], p.167


A Reaction

So existence IS a predicate (message to Kant). Dunno. Electrons have to exist in order to spin, but they don't have to exist in order to exist. But they don't have to exist to be 'dead'.