Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'Space and Time', 'Elimination of Metaphysics by Analysis of Language' and 'Repetition'

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4 ideas

1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 7. Against Metaphysics

16252	Metaphysics uses empty words, or just produces pseudo-statements [Carnap]
	Full Idea: Since metaphysics doesn't want to assert analytic propositions, nor fall within the domain of physical science, it is compelled to employ words for which no criteria of application are specified, ..or else combine meaningful words..into pseudo-statements.
	From: Rudolph Carnap (Elimination of Metaphysics by Analysis of Language [1959]), quoted by Tim Maudlin - The Metaphysics within Physics 2.4
	A reaction: A classic summary of the logical positivist rejection of metaphysics. I incline to treat metaphysics as within the domain of science, but at a level of generality so high that practising scientists become bewildered and give up.

3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 8. Subjective Truth

22094	Subjective truth can only be sustained by repetition [Kierkegaard, by Carlisle]
	Full Idea: If subjective truth is to be more than momentary, it has to be repeated continually.
	From: report of Søren Kierkegaard (Repetition [1843]) by Clare Carlisle - Kierkegaard: a guide for the perplexed 4
	A reaction: This might apply to more traditional concepts of truth, if they are to be part of life, rather than remaining in books.

23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 8. Eternal Recurrence

22093	Life is a repetition when what has been now becomes [Kierkegaard]
	Full Idea: When one says that life is a repetition one affirms that existence which has been now becomes.
	From: Søren Kierkegaard (Repetition [1843], p.49), quoted by Clare Carlisle - Kierkegaard: a guide for the perplexed 4
	A reaction: Not sure I understand this, but it seems very close to Nietzsche's Eternal Recurrence.

27. Natural Reality / C. Space / 6. Space-Time

14014	Space alone, and time alone, will fade away, and only their union has an independent reality [Minkowski]
	Full Idea: Henceforth, space by itself, and time by itself, are doomed to fade away into mere shadows, and only a kind of union of the two will preserve an independent reality.
	From: Hermann Minkowski (Space and Time [1908], Intro)
	A reaction: Notice the qualification that it is a 'kind of' union. Deep confusion arises from exaggerating the analogy between space and time. Craig Bourne remarks (2006:157) that this shows independence of measurement, not of reality