Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'works', 'Set Theory and the Continuum Hypothesis' and 'Extrinsic Properties'

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6 ideas

6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / a. Constructivism

14248	We could accept the integers as primitive, then use sets to construct the rest [Cohen]
	Full Idea: A very reasonable position would be to accept the integers as primitive entities and then use sets to form higher entities.
	From: Paul J. Cohen (Set Theory and the Continuum Hypothesis [1966], 5.4), quoted by Oliver,A/Smiley,T - What are Sets and What are they For?
	A reaction: I find this very appealing, and the authority of this major mathematician adds support. I would say, though, that the integers are not 'primitive', but pick out (in abstraction) consistent features of the natural world.

8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 4. Intrinsic Properties

14979	Being alone doesn't guarantee intrinsic properties; 'being alone' is itself extrinsic [Lewis, by Sider]
	Full Idea: The property of 'being alone in the world' is an extrinsic property, even though it has had by an object that is alone in the world.
	From: report of David Lewis (Extrinsic Properties [1983]) by Theodore Sider - Writing the Book of the World 01.2
	A reaction: I always choke on my cornflakes whenever anyone cites a true predicate as if it were a genuine property. This is a counterexample to Idea 14978. Sider offers another more elaborate example from Lewis.

15454	Extrinsic properties come in degrees, with 'brother' less extrinsic than 'sibling' [Lewis]
	Full Idea: Properties may be more or less intrinsic; being a brother has more of an admixture of intrinsic structure than being a sibling does, yet both are extrinsic.
	From: David Lewis (Extrinsic Properties [1983], I)
	A reaction: I suppose the point is that a brother is intrinsically male - but then a sibling is intrinsically human. A totally extrinsic relation would be one between entities which shared virtually no categories of existence.

9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / b. Individuation by properties

15455	Total intrinsic properties give us what a thing is [Lewis]
	Full Idea: The way something is is given by the totality of its intrinsic properties.
	From: David Lewis (Extrinsic Properties [1983], I)
	A reaction: No. Some properties are intrinsic but trivial. The 'important' ones fix the identity (if the identity is indeed 'fixed').

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.