Combining Texts

Ideas for 'works', 'A Survey of Metaphysics' and 'Contemporary Political Theory'

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3 ideas

18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 1. Thought
'Tacit theory' controls our thinking (which is why Freud is important) [Derrida]
     Full Idea: All thought is controlled by tacit theory (which is why Freud is so important).
     From: Jacques Derrida (works [1990]), quoted by Barry Stocker - Derrida on Deconstruction
     A reaction: This idea is said to be the essential thought of Derrida's Deconstruction. The aim is liberation of thought, by identifying and bypassing these tacit metaphysical schemas.
18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 5. Abstracta by Negation
The centre of mass of the solar system is a non-causal abstract object, despite having a location [Lowe]
     Full Idea: The centre of mass of the solar system seems to lack causal powers, and so is an abstract object, even though it has a location and movement.
     From: E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.368)
     A reaction: Nice example, with rich ramifications. Abstraction is deeply tied into our understanding of the physical world, and our concept of identity.
Concrete and abstract objects are distinct because the former have causal powers and relations [Lowe]
     Full Idea: Concrete objects possess causal powers and relations, but abstract objects are incapable of having causal powers or relations.
     From: E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.368)
     A reaction: Is this an observation or a definition? One might claim that an abstraction (such as a political ideal) can acquire causal power through a conscious mnd.