Single Idea 12027

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 2. Possibility of Metaphysics]

Full Idea

No metaphysical account which renders it impossible to give a plausible epistemological theory is to be countenanced.

Gist of Idea

There must be a plausible epistemological theory alongside any metaphysical theory

Source

Graeme Forbes (The Metaphysics of Modality [1985], 9.1)

Book Reference

Forbes,Graeme: 'The Metaphysics of Modality' [OUP 1985], p.217


A Reaction

It is hard to object to this principle, though we certainly don't want to go verificationist, and thus rule out speculations about metaphysics which are beyond any possible knowledge. Some have tried to prove that something must exist (e.g. Jacquette).