more from David M. Armstrong

Single Idea 8507

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 3. Reality]

Full Idea

Some philosophers (like Devitt) think of reality as made up of things. Others, like me, think of it as made up of facts or states of affairs.

Gist of Idea

Some think of reality as made of things; I prefer facts or states of affairs

Source

David M. Armstrong (Against 'Ostrich Nominalism' [1980], §3)

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.111


A Reaction

Devitt is a follower of Quine on this. Personally I rather like 'processes'. Unanalysed things with predication (Quine) don't look promising. I currently favour things with active powers, which give rise to properties. See Shoemaker and Ellis.