Single Idea 12771

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

Full Idea

How likely is it that a truly successful, coherent, explanatory ontological hypothesis is true?

Gist of Idea

Is it likely that a successful, coherent, explanatory ontological hypothesis is true?

Source

Bas C. van Fraassen (The Empirical Stance [2002], 1.5)

Book Reference

Fraassen,Bas van: 'The Empirical Stance' [Yale 2002], p.17


A Reaction

Van Fraassen announces "I reject metaphysic" (p.3), so we know where he stands. Anything becomes less certain as it moves to a higher level of generality. Should we abandon generalisation? There is much illumination in metaphysics.