Single Idea 15010

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

Full Idea

Ontological 'cheaters' are those ne'er-do-well metaphysicians (such as presentists, phenomenalists, or solipsists) who refuse to countenance a sufficiently robust conception of the fundamental to underwrite the truths they accept.

Gist of Idea

Your metaphysics is 'cheating' if your ontology won't support the beliefs you accept

Source

Theodore Sider (Writing the Book of the World [2011], 08.4)

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Writing the Book of the World' [OUP 2011], p.154


A Reaction

Presentists are placed in rather insalubrious company here, The notion of 'cheaters' is nice, and I associate it with Australian philosophy, and the reason that was admired by David Lewis.