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Full Idea
The doctrine [that all we can know is the relations between subject and object] is in its essence self-contradictory, since our very idea of thing implies that it is something in relation either actually or potentially.
Gist of Idea
The idea that everything is relations is contradictory; relations are part of the concept of things
Source
Stephen S. Colvin (The Common-Sense View of Reality [1902], p.150)
Book Ref
-: 'Philosophical Review' [-], p.150
A Reaction
Ladyman and Ross try to defend an account of reality based entirely on relations. I'm with Colvin on this one. All accounts of reality based either on pure relations or pure functions have a huge hole in their theory.
Related Idea
Idea 14931 That there are existent structures not made of entities is no stranger than the theory of universals [Ladyman/Ross]
| 20726 | We can only distinguish self from non-self if there is an inflexible external reality [Colvin] |
| 20727 | Common-sense realism rests on our interests and practical life [Colvin] |
| 20728 | Metaphysics is hopeless with its present epistemology; common-sense realism is needed [Colvin] |
| 20729 | Arguments that objects are unknowable or non-existent assume the knower's existence [Colvin] |
| 20730 | If objects are doubted because their appearances change, that presupposes one object [Colvin] |
| 20731 | The idea that everything is relations is contradictory; relations are part of the concept of things [Colvin] |