Single Idea 8607

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 2. Reduction]

Full Idea

Supervenience is a stripped down form of reductionism, unencumbered by dubious denials of existence, claims of ontological priority, or claims of translatability.

Gist of Idea

Supervenience is reduction without existence denials, ontological priorities, or translatability

Source

David Lewis (New work for a theory of universals [1983], 'Dup,Sup,Div')

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.205


A Reaction

Interesting. It implies that the honest reductionist (i.e. me) should begin by asserting supervience, and only at a second stage go on to deny a bit of existence, loudly affirm priorities, and offer translations. Honest toil.