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Ideas for 'works', 'Metaphysics: the logical approach' and 'Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity''

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5 ideas

1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 1. Nature of Metaphysics
3358 Metaphysics focuses on Platonism, essentialism, materialism and anti-realism [Benardete,JA]
     Full Idea: In contemporary metaphysics the major areas of discussion are Platonism, essentialism, materialism and anti-realism.
     From: José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], After)
1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 5. Linguistic Analysis
3312 There are the 'is' of predication (a function), the 'is' of identity (equals), and the 'is' of existence (quantifier) [Benardete,JA]
     Full Idea: At least since Russell, one has routinely distinguished between the 'is' of predication ('Socrates is wise', Fx), the 'is' of identity ('Morning Star is Evening Star', =), and the 'is' of existence ('the cat is under the bed', Ex).
     From: José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], Ch. 7)
     A reaction: This seems horribly nitpicking to many people, but I love it - because it is just true, and it is a truth right at the basis of the confusions in our talk. Analytic philosophy forever! [P.S. 'Tiddles is a cat' - the 'is' membership]
1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 7. Limitations of Analysis
3352 Analytical philosophy analyses separate concepts successfully, but lacks a synoptic vision of the results [Benardete,JA]
     Full Idea: Analytical philosophy excels in the piecemeal analysis of causation, perception, knowledge and so on, but there is a striking poverty of any synoptic vision of these independent studies.
     From: José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], Ch.22)
1. Philosophy / G. Scientific Philosophy / 1. Aims of Science
6782 Realism is the only philosophy of science that doesn't make the success of science a miracle [Putnam]
     Full Idea: Realism….is the only philosophy science which does not make the success of science a miracle.
     From: Hilary Putnam (works [1980]), quoted by Alexander Bird - Philosophy of Science Ch.4
     A reaction: This was from his earlier work; he became more pragmatist and anti-realist later. Personally I approve of the remark. The philosophy of science must certainly offer an explanation for its success. Truth seems the obvious explanation.
3329 Presumably the statements of science are true, but should they be taken literally or not? [Benardete,JA]
     Full Idea: As our bible, the Book of Science is presumed to contain only true sentences, but it is less clear how they are to be construed, which literally and which non-literally.
     From: José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], Ch.13)