Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Parmenides', 'Mathematical Methods in Philosophy' and 'Truthmakers and Converse Barcan Formula'

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2 ideas

28. God / B. Proving God / 2. Proofs of Reason / a. Ontological Proof
We couldn't discuss the non-existence of the One without knowledge of it [Plato]
     Full Idea: There must be knowledge of the one, or else not even the meaning of the words 'if the one does not exist' would be known.
     From: Plato (Parmenides [c.364 BCE], 160d)
28. God / B. Proving God / 2. Proofs of Reason / b. Ontological Proof critique
A thing can't be the only necessary existent, because its singleton set would be as well [Williamson]
     Full Idea: That there is just one necessary existent is surely false, for if x is a necessary, {x} is a distinct necessary existent.
     From: Timothy Williamson (Truthmakers and Converse Barcan Formula [1999], §1)
     A reaction: You would have to believe that sets actually 'exist' to accept this, but it is a very neat point.