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Single Idea 15766

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 6. Dispositions / d. Dispositions as occurrent ]

Full Idea

In the Megaran view, there will be nothing cold or hot or pleasant or perceptible at all unless someone is currently observing it. So this Megaran wisdom turns out to boil down to rehashed Protagoras.

Clarification

Protagoras was an extreme relativist about what we perceive

Gist of Idea

Megaran actualism is just scepticism about the qualities of things

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1047a10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.259


A Reaction

I don't think you can defeat the rejection of modal features of reality that easily. The Megarans might, I suppose, be called verificationists. What is the semantic value of a statement about potential?

Related Idea

Idea 11938 The Megarans say something is only capable of something when it is actually doing it [Aristotle]