Single Idea 15781

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 4. Impossible objects]

Full Idea

The totality of what exists, including what has existed and what will exist, is infinitely small in comparison with the totality of Objects of knowledge.

Gist of Idea

The objects of knowledge are far more numerous than objects which exist

Source

Alexius Meinong (The Theory of Objects [1904]), quoted by William Lycan - The Trouble with Possible Worlds 01

Book Reference

'The Possible and the Actual', ed/tr. Loux,Michael J. [Cornell 1979], p.276


A Reaction

This is rather profound, but the word 'object' doesn't help. I would say 'What we know concerns far more than what merely exists'.