Single Idea 4474

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 1. Ontologies]

Full Idea

A theory of existence should 1) be consistent with what actually exists, 2) be consistent with what could exist, 3) not make existence impossible (e.g. in space-time), 4) not violate logic, 5) make knowing the theory possible.

Gist of Idea

Existence theories must match experience, possibility, logic and knowledge, and not be self-defeating

Source

J.P. Moreland (Universals [2001], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Moreland,J.P.: 'Universals' [Acumen 2001], p.135


A Reaction

A nice bit of metaphilosophical analysis. I still doubt whether a theory of existence is possible (something has to be 'given' a priori), but this is a good place to start the attempt.