Single Idea 16276

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 7. Against Metaphysics]

Full Idea

If metaphysical possibility extends more widely than physical possibility, this may make metaphysics out to be nothing but the analysis of fantastical descriptions produced by philosophers.

Gist of Idea

Wide metaphysical possibility may reduce metaphysics to analysis of fantasies

Source

Tim Maudlin (The Metaphysics within Physics [2007], 7 Epilogue)

Book Reference

Maudlin,Tim: 'The Metaphysics within Physics' [OUP 2007], p.188


A Reaction

Maudlin wants metaphysics to be firmly constrained in its possibilities by what scientific undestanding permits, and he is right. Metaphysics must integrate into science, or wither away on the margins.

Related Idea

Idea 15099 If something is possible, but not nomologically possible, we need metaphysical possibility [Shoemaker]