Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'works', 'The Logic of Infinity' and 'De Essentia'

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4 ideas

6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / d. Predicativism
18203 Avoid non-predicative classifications and definitions [Poincaré]
     Full Idea: Never consider any objects but those capable of being defined in a finite number of word ...Avoid non-predicative classifications and definitions.
     From: Henri Poincaré (The Logic of Infinity [1909], p.63), quoted by Penelope Maddy - Naturalism in Mathematics II.4
9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / d. Individuation by haecceity
13132 A snowball's haecceity is the property of being identical with itself [Plantinga, by Westerhoff]
     Full Idea: Plantinga assumes that being identical with that snowball names a property which is that snowball's haecceity.
     From: report of Alvin Plantinga (De Essentia [1979]) by Jan Westerhoff - Ontological Categories §52
     A reaction: Only a philosopher would suggest such a bizarre way of establishing the unique individuality of a given snowball. You could hardly keep track of the snowball with just that criterion. How do you decide whether something has Plantinga's property?
29. Religion / B. Monotheistic Religion / 4. Christianity / d. Heresy
16713 Philosophers are the forefathers of heretics [Tertullian]
     Full Idea: Philosophers are the forefathers of heretics.
     From: Tertullian (works [c.200]), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 20.2
29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / e. Fideism
6610 I believe because it is absurd [Tertullian]
     Full Idea: I believe because it is absurd ('Credo quia absurdum est').
     From: Tertullian (works [c.200]), quoted by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason n4.2
     A reaction: This seems to be a rather desperate remark, in response to what must have been rather good hostile arguments. No one would abandon the support of reason if it was easy to acquire. You can't deny its engaging romantic defiance, though.