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Single Idea 17306

[filed under theme 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 1. Grounding / a. Nature of grounding ]

Full Idea

By treating grounding as transitive (and irreflexive), one generates a strict partial ordering that induces metaphysical structure.

Gist of Idea

If ground is transitive and irreflexive, it has a strict partial ordering, giving structure

Source

Jonathan Schaffer (Grounding, Transitivity and Contrastivity [2012], Intro)

Book Ref

'Metaphysical Grounding', ed/tr. Correia,F/Schnieder,B [CUP 2012], p.122

A Reaction

Schaffer's paper goes on to attach the claim that grounding is transitive, but I didn't find his examples very convincing.

Related Ideas

Idea 13457 A 'partial ordering' is irreflexive and transitive; the sets are ordered, but not the subsets [Hart,WD]

Idea 13458 A partial ordering becomes 'total' if any two members of its field are comparable [Hart,WD]

The 5 ideas from 'Grounding, Transitivity and Contrastivity'

17304 As causation links across time, grounding links the world across levels [Schaffer,J]
17306 If ground is transitive and irreflexive, it has a strict partial ordering, giving structure [Schaffer,J]
17305 I take what is fundamental to be the whole spatiotemporal manifold and its fields [Schaffer,J]
17307 Nowadays causation is usually understood in terms of equations and variable ranges [Schaffer,J]
17308 Explaining 'Adam ate the apple' depends on emphasis, and thus implies a contrast [Schaffer,J]