Single Idea 19654

[catalogued under 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 6. Criterion for Existence]

Full Idea

It is incumbent upon us to break with the ontological requisite of the moderns, according to which 'to be is to be a correlate'.

Clarification

his word 'correlate' means connected to some thinking

Gist of Idea

We must give up the modern criterion of existence, which is a correlation between thought and being

Source

Quentin Meillassoux (After Finitude; the necessity of contingency [2006], 2)

Book Reference

Meillassoux: 'After Finitude: the necessity of contingency', ed/tr. Brassier,R [Bloomsbury 2008], p.28


A Reaction

He blames Kant for this pernicious idea, which has driven philosophy away from realist science, when it should be supporting and joining it. As a realist I agree, and find Meillassoux very illuminating on the subject.

Related Idea

Idea 19648 Since Kant we think we can only access 'correlations' between thinking and being [Meillassoux]