Single Idea 17656

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 4. Ontological Dependence]

Full Idea

Nothing is primitive or derivationally prior to anything apart from a constructional system.

Gist of Idea

Being primitive or prior always depends on a constructional system

Source

Nelson Goodman (Ways of Worldmaking [1978], 1.4c)

Book Reference

Goodman,Nelson: 'Ways of Worldmaking' [Hackett 1984], p.12


A Reaction

Something may be primitive not just because we can't be bothered to analyse it any further, but because even God couldn't analyse it. Maybe.