Single Idea 6520

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties]

Full Idea

Some thinkers claim the physical world consists just of relational properties - generally of active powers or fields; ..but an ontology of mutual influences is not an ontology at all unless the possessors of the influence have more substantial features.

Clarification

'Ontology' concerns what actually exists

Gist of Idea

If reality just has relational properties, what are its substantial ontological features?

Source

Howard Robinson (Perception [1994], IX.3)

Book Reference

Robinson,Howard: 'Perception' [Routledge 2001], p.220


A Reaction

I think this idea is one of the keys to wisdom. It is the same problem with functional explanations - you are left asking WHY this thing can have this particular function. Without the buck stopping at essences you are chasing your explanatory tail.