more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 12792

[filed under theme 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 8. Stuff / a. Pure stuff ]

Full Idea

The central fact about the category of stuff or matter is that it is profoundly antithetical to reference.

Gist of Idea

The category of stuff does not suit reference

Source

Henry Laycock (Words without Objects [2006], Pref)

Book Ref

Laycock,Henry: 'Words without Objects' [OUP 2006], p.-5


A Reaction

This is taking 'reference' in the strictly singular classical sense, but clearly we refer to water in various ways. Laycock's challenge is very helpful. We have been in the grips of a terrible orthodoxy.