Single Idea 15785

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 11. Ontological Commitment / a. Ontological commitment]

Full Idea

We must distinguish between what we are committed to existing in the actual world or a possible world ('ontology'), and what we are committed to as a part of our ways of dealing with the world conceptually, as a part of our conceptual system ('ideology').

Gist of Idea

Our commitments are to an 'ontology', but also to an 'ideology', or conceptual system

Source

Jaakko Hintikka (Semantics for Propositional Attitudes [1969], p.95), quoted by William Lycan - The Trouble with Possible Worlds 02

Book Reference

'The Possible and the Actual', ed/tr. Loux,Michael J. [Cornell 1979], p.280


A Reaction

I think this is the most illuminating idea I have read on the subject of ontological commitment. I'm fighting for the idea that what we think is true should be kept separate from what we think exists. Ideology is a nice addition to the mix.

Related Idea

Idea 15786 Commitment to possible worlds is part of our ideology, not part of our ontology [Hintikka]