Single Idea 15731

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / G. Quantification / 6. Plural Quantification]

Full Idea

I consider some apparent quantification over sets or classes of whatnots to carry genuine ontological commitment to 'sets' of them, but sometimes it is innocent plural quantification committed only to whatnots, for which I use 'class'.

Gist of Idea

Quantification sometimes commits to 'sets', but sometimes just to pluralities (or 'classes')

Source

David Lewis (On the Plurality of Worlds [1986], 1.5 n37)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'On the Plurality of Worlds' [Blackwell 2001], p.51


A Reaction

How do you tell whether you are committed to a set or not? Can I claim an innocent plurality each time, while you accuse me of a guilty set? Can I firmly commit to a set, to be told that I can never manage more than a plurality?