41 ideas
12667 | Metaphysics aims at the simplest explanation, without regard to testability [Ellis] |
21959 | Metaphysics is the most general attempt to make sense of things [Moore,AW] |
10702 | Set theory's three roles: taming the infinite, subject-matter of mathematics, and modes of reasoning [Potter] |
10713 | Usually the only reason given for accepting the empty set is convenience [Potter] |
13044 | Infinity: There is at least one limit level [Potter] |
10708 | Nowadays we derive our conception of collections from the dependence between them [Potter] |
13546 | The 'limitation of size' principles say whether properties collectivise depends on the number of objects [Potter] |
10707 | Mereology elides the distinction between the cards in a pack and the suits [Potter] |
12666 | We can base logic on acceptability, and abandon the Fregean account by truth-preservation [Ellis] |
10704 | We can formalize second-order formation rules, but not inference rules [Potter] |
10703 | Supposing axioms (rather than accepting them) give truths, but they are conditional [Potter] |
10712 | If set theory didn't found mathematics, it is still needed to count infinite sets [Potter] |
12688 | Mathematics is the formal study of the categorical dimensions of things [Ellis] |
17882 | It is remarkable that all natural number arithmetic derives from just the Peano Axioms [Potter] |
12683 | Objects and substances are a subcategory of the natural kinds of processes [Ellis] |
12670 | A physical event is any change of distribution of energy [Ellis] |
13043 | A relation is a set consisting entirely of ordered pairs [Potter] |
12673 | Physical properties are those relevant to how a physical system might act [Ellis] |
12665 | I support categorical properties, although most people only want causal powers [Ellis] |
12682 | Essentialism needs categorical properties (spatiotemporal and numerical relations) and dispositions [Ellis] |
12684 | Spatial, temporal and numerical relations have causal roles, without being causal [Ellis] |
12672 | Properties and relations are discovered, so they can't be mere sets of individuals [Ellis] |
12676 | Causal powers can't rest on things which lack causal power [Ellis] |
23781 | Categoricals exist to influence powers. Such as structures, orientations and magnitudes [Ellis, by Williams,NE] |
12686 | Causal powers are a proper subset of the dispositional properties [Ellis] |
13042 | If dependence is well-founded, with no infinite backward chains, this implies substances [Potter] |
12685 | Categorical properties depend only on the structures they represent [Ellis] |
13041 | Collections have fixed members, but fusions can be carved in innumerable ways [Potter] |
12679 | A real essence is a kind's distinctive properties [Ellis] |
10709 | Priority is a modality, arising from collections and members [Potter] |
12668 | Metaphysical necessity holds between things in the world and things they make true [Ellis] |
12687 | Metaphysical necessities are those depending on the essential nature of things [Ellis] |
21958 | Appearances are nothing beyond representations, which is transcendental ideality [Moore,AW] |
12669 | Science aims to explain things, not just describe them [Ellis] |
12681 | There are natural kinds of processes [Ellis] |
12680 | Natural kind structures go right down to the bottom level [Ellis] |
12675 | Laws of nature are just descriptions of how things are disposed to behave [Ellis] |
12671 | I deny forces as entities that intervene in causation, but are not themselves causal [Ellis] |
12674 | Energy is the key multi-valued property, vital to scientific realism [Ellis] |
12689 | Simultaneity can be temporal equidistance from the Big Bang [Ellis] |
12690 | The present is the collapse of the light wavefront from the Big Bang [Ellis] |