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Single Idea 5182

[from 'Appearance and Reality' by F.H. Bradley, in 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 5. Metaphysics beyond Science ]

Full Idea

Such a metaphysical pseudo-proposition as 'the Absolute enters into, but is itself incapable of, evolution and progress' (F.H.Bradley) is not even in principle verifiable.

Gist of Idea

Claims about 'the Absolute' are not even verifiable in principle

Source

comment on F.H. Bradley (Appearance and Reality [1893]) by A.J. Ayer - Language,Truth and Logic Ch.1

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.49


A Reaction

One may jeer at the Verification Principle for either failing to be precise, or for failing to pass its own test, but Ayer still has a point here. When we drift off into sustained abstractions, we must keeping asking if we are still saying anything real.