more on this theme
|
more from this text
Single Idea 16129
[filed under theme 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 10. Vagueness / b. Vagueness of reality
]
Full Idea
Evans tries to derive a contradiction from the supposition that a given identity statement is of indeterminate truth-value. (As it happens, I consider that this argument is flawed)
Gist of Idea
Evans argues (falsely!) that a contradiction follows from treating objects as vague
Source
report of Gareth Evans (Can there be Vague Objects? [1978]) by E.J. Lowe - The Possibility of Metaphysics 1.3
Book Ref
Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.11
A Reaction
A priori, I wouldn't expect to be able to settle the question of whether there are any vague objects simply by following some logical derivation. Empirical examination, and conceptual analysis (or stipulation) have to be involved.
The
23 ideas
from Gareth Evans
|
9041
|
The Causal Theory of Names is wrong, since the name 'Madagascar' actually changed denotation
[Evans]
|
|
9038
|
We must distinguish what the speaker denotes by a name, from what the name denotes
[Evans]
|
|
5823
|
The intended referent of a name needs to be the cause of the speaker's information about it
[Evans]
|
|
9039
|
If descriptions are sufficient for reference, then I must accept a false reference if the descriptions fit
[Evans]
|
|
9040
|
Charity should minimize inexplicable error, rather than maximising true beliefs
[Evans]
|
|
9043
|
We use expressions 'deferentially', to conform to the use of other people
[Evans]
|
|
5824
|
How can an expression be a name, if names can change their denotation?
[Evans]
|
|
9042
|
A private intention won't give a name a denotation; the practice needs it to be made public
[Evans]
|
|
5825
|
Speakers intend to refer to items that are the source of their information
[Evans]
|
|
7639
|
The Homunculus Fallacy explains a subject perceiving objects by repeating the problem internally
[Evans]
|
|
14895
|
'Superficial' contingency: false in some world; 'Deep' contingency: no obvious verification
[Evans, by Macià/Garcia-Carpentiro]
|
|
11881
|
Rigid designators can be meaningful even if empty
[Evans, by Mackie,P]
|
|
16129
|
Evans argues (falsely!) that a contradiction follows from treating objects as vague
[Evans, by Lowe]
|
|
16459
|
Is it coherent that reality is vague, identities can be vague, and objects can have fuzzy boundaries?
[Evans]
|
|
16460
|
Evans assumes there can be vague identity statements, and that his proof cannot be right
[Evans, by Lewis]
|
|
16457
|
There clearly are vague identity statements, and Evans's argument has a false conclusion
[Evans, by Lewis]
|
|
14484
|
If a=b is indeterminate, then a=/=b, and so there cannot be indeterminate identity
[Evans, by Thomasson]
|
|
16224
|
There can't be vague identity; a and b must differ, since a, unlike b, is only vaguely the same as b
[Evans, by PG]
|
|
12580
|
Experiences have no conceptual content
[Evans, by Greco]
|
|
23794
|
Some representational states, like perception, may be nonconceptual
[Evans, by Schulte]
|
|
12575
|
Concepts have a 'Generality Constraint', that we must know how predicates apply to them
[Evans, by Peacocke]
|
|
7643
|
We have far fewer colour concepts than we have discriminations of colour
[Evans]
|
|
16366
|
The Generality Constraint says if you can think a predicate you can apply it to anything
[Evans]
|