Single Idea 8318

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 8. Facts / a. Facts]

Full Idea

The most notorious problem besetting the view that facts are structured complexes of constituents is the question of what it is that binds the supposed constituents into the fact. The ordered triple doesn't make Mars red.

Gist of Idea

The problem with the structured complex view of facts is what binds the constituents

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 11.5)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.243


A Reaction

Lowe denies that facts are complex entities on this basis. You only have the problem if Mars and its redness are two 'things'. If redness is intrinsically a dependent item, we may escape. I wish they wouldn't use colours as examples. See Idea 5456.

Related Idea

Idea 5456 Redness is not a property as it is not mind-independent [Ellis]