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Single Idea 12217

[from 'The Question of Ontology' by Kit Fine, in 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 1. Ontologies ]

Full Idea

We need to straddle both of Carnap's internal and external views. It is only by standing outside of reality that we are able to occupy a standpoint from which the constitution of reality can be adequately described.

Gist of Idea

For ontology we need, not internal or external views, but a view from outside reality

Source

Kit Fine (The Question of Ontology [2009], p.174)

Book Reference

'Metametaphysics', ed/tr. Chalmers/Manley/Wasserman [OUP 2009], p.174


A Reaction

See Idea 4840! I thoroughly approve of this idea, which almost amounts to a Credo for the modern metaphysician. Since we can think outside our room, or our country, or our era, or our solar system, I think we can do what Fine is demanding.

Related Ideas

Idea 4840 Reason perceives things under a certain form of eternity [Spinoza]

Idea 13933 Existence questions are 'internal' (within a framework) or 'external' (concerning the whole framework) [Carnap]