Full Idea
There seems to be a mysterious desire to posit entities simply because certain terms pop up in our vocabulary. But we should not be so indiscriminate about our posits, even if our talk is properly vetted.
Gist of Idea
We shouldn't posit the existence of anything we have a word for
Source
Neil E. Williams (The Powers Metaphysics [2019], 04.1)
Book Reference
Williams,Neil E.: 'The Powers Metaphysics' [OUP 2019], p.69
A Reaction
This should hardly need saying, and the familiar example is 'for the sake of' entailing sakes, but it seems to be a vice that is still found in metaphysical philosophy. The word 'nothingness' comes to mind.
Related Idea
Idea 23774 There are basic powers, which underlie dispositions, potentialities, capacities etc [Williams,NE]