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Single Idea 14941

[filed under theme 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 6. Fundamentals / a. Fundamental reality ]

Full Idea

The tentative metaphysical hypothesis of this book, which is open to empirical falsification, is that there is no fundamental level, that the real patterns criterion of reality is the last word in ontology.

Gist of Idea

We say there is no fundamental level to ontology, and reality is just patterns

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 3.7.3)

Book Ref

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.178

A Reaction

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the empirical falsification to arrive (or vanish). Their commitment to real patterns (or structures) leaves me a bit baffled.

The 3 ideas with the same theme [a possible bottom level for the structure of existence]:

17995 Basic is the potentially perceptible, then comes the contrary qualities, and finally the 'elements' [Anaxagoras]
15300 Fundamental particulars can't change [Harré/Madden]
14941 We say there is no fundamental level to ontology, and reality is just patterns [Ladyman/Ross]