Single Idea 15216

[catalogued under 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 4. Necessity from Concepts]

Full Idea

The question about conceptual necessity is whether it is only stipulative and conventional in character or whether it mirrors something about the nature of physical systems.

Gist of Idea

Is conceptual necessity just conventional, or does it mirror something about nature?

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 1.II.A)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.10


A Reaction

This is the key question, which fans of conventionalism (such as Sidelle) don't seem to face up to. I take it to be important that our concepts are not created by a committee of fools, but by people constantly relating to the world.