more from Willard Quine

Single Idea 13387

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 2. Abstract Objects / b. Need for abstracta]

Full Idea

There is no denying the access of power that accrues to our conceptual scheme through the positing of abstract objects.

Gist of Idea

Our conceptual scheme becomes more powerful when we posit abstract objects

Source

Willard Quine (Speaking of Objects [1960], §5)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ontological Relativity and Other Essays' [Columbia 1969], p.21


A Reaction

This seems right, both in its use of the word 'posit', and in its general pragmatic claim. So why? If they enable us to grapple with the world better, it must be because of their power of generalisation. They are nets thrown over chunks of reality.