Single Idea 14479

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 6. Nihilism about Objects]

Full Idea

The conventionalist faces paradox if they hold that conventions are logically prior to people (since this plurality requires conventions of individuation), and people are logically prior to conventions (if they make up the conventions).

Gist of Idea

To individuate people we need conventions, but conventions are made up by people

Source

Amie L. Thomasson (Ordinary Objects [2007], 03.3)

Book Reference

Thomasson,Amie L.: 'Ordinary Objects' [OUP 2010], p.68


A Reaction

[Sidelle is the spokesman for conventionalism] The best defence would be to deny the second part, and say that conventions emerge from whatever is there, but only conventions can individuate the bits of what is there.