more on this theme | more from this text
Full Idea
We might say that those truths that do not need truth-makers are those that are negative. Those that do need truth-makers are those that are positive.
Gist of Idea
Maybe only 'positive' truths need truth-makers
Source
Jonathan Tallant (Metaphysics: an introduction [2011], 10.8)
Book Ref
Tallant,Jonathan: 'Metaphysics - an introduction' [Continuum 2011], p.226
A Reaction
If you deny the existence of something, there is always an implicit domain for the denial, such as 'on the table', or 'in this building', or 'in the cosmos'. So why can't that domain be the truthmaker for a negative existential?
| 18859 | Metaphysics is a quest for truthmakers [Tallant] |
| 18860 | A truthmaker is the minimal portion of reality that will do the job [Tallant] |
| 18861 | Maybe number statements can be paraphrased into quantifications plus identities [Tallant] |
| 18863 | What is the truthmaker for a possible new power? [Tallant] |
| 18862 | Are propositions all the thoughts and sentences that are possible? [Tallant] |
| 18864 | The wisdom of Plato and of Socrates are not the same property [Tallant] |
| 18865 | Substance must have two properties: individuation, and property-bearing [Tallant] |
| 18866 | Maybe only 'positive' truths need truth-makers [Tallant] |