Single Idea 15514

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / F. Set Theory ST / 5. Conceptions of Set / a. Sets as existing]

Full Idea

The preponderant part of Reality must consist of unfamiliar, unobserved things, whose existence would have gone unsuspected but for our acceptance of set theory.

Gist of Idea

A huge part of Reality is only accepted as existing if you have accepted set theory

Source

David Lewis (Parts of Classes [1991], 2.6)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Parts of Classes' [Blackwell 1991], p.50


A Reaction

He is referring to the enormous sets at the far end of set theory, of a size that had never been hitherto conceived. Excellent. Daft to believe in something entirely because you have accepted set theory, with no other basis.