Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'Works of Love', 'talk' and 'Form, Matter and Substance'

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6 ideas

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

24069	Much metaphysical debate concerns what is fundamental, rather than what exists [Koslicki]
	Full Idea: Some of the most important debates in metaphysics or ontology do not concern existential questions, but focus on questions of fundamentality.
	From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], 5 Intro)
	A reaction: In modern times we have added the structure of existence to the mere ontological catalogue, and this idea makes another important addition to our concept of metaphysics. She gives disagreement over tropes as an example.

9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 1. Unifying an Object / a. Intrinsic unification

24065	Structured wholes are united by the teamwork needed for their capacities [Koslicki]
	Full Idea: A structured whole derives its unity from the way in which its parts interact with other parts to allow both the whole and its parts to manifest those of their capacities which require 'team work' among the parts.
	From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], Intro)
	A reaction: This is a culminating thesis of her book. She defends it at length. It looks like a nice theory for things which are lucky enough to have capacities involving teamwork. Does this mean a pebble can't be unified? She wants a dynamic view.

9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / a. Hylomorphism

24066	The form explains kind, structure, unity and activity [Koslicki]
	Full Idea: Hylomorphists tend to agree that the form (rather than matter) explains 1) kind membership, 2) structure, 3) unity, 4) characteristic activities.
	From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], 3.2.1)
	A reaction: [compressed; she explains each of them] Personally I would add continuity through change (statue/clay). Glad to see that kind membership is not part of the form. And what about explaining observed properties? Does form=essence?

9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 3. Individual Essences

24067	Hylomorphic compounds need an individual form for transworld identity [Koslicki]
	Full Idea: It is difficult to see how forms could serve as cross-world identity principles for hylomorphic compounds, unless these forms are particular or individual entities.
	From: Kathrin Koslicki (Form, Matter and Substance [2018], 3.4.3)
	A reaction: This is a key part of her objection to treating the form as universal or generic. I agree with her view.

22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love

15998	Perfect love is not in spite of imperfections; the imperfections must be loved as well [Kierkegaard]
	Full Idea: To love another in spite of his weaknesses and errors and imperfections is not perfect love. No, to love is to find him lovable in spite of, and together with, his weaknesses and errors and imperfections.
	From: Søren Kierkegaard (Works of Love [1847], p.158)
	A reaction: A true romantic at heart, Kierkegaard ideally posits perfect love as unconditional love, and not just of good attributes, predicates and conditions. However, the real question for both me and Kierkegaard is, is perfect love desirable or even possible?[SY]

25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 1. Basis of justice

21229	If everyone is treated with equal injustice, at least that is fair [Morgenbesser]
	Full Idea: When the police hit me over the head at the demonstration, it was unjust but at least it was fair, because they hit everybody else over the head.
	From: Sidney Morgenbesser (talk [1970]), quoted by PG - Db (ideas)
	A reaction: An example of Morganbesser's famous wit, but this is the perfect and simplest riposte to Rawls's claim that justice is fairness. Horrific injustices can be distributed fairly, and often are, in prisons, schools, families and armies.