Full Idea
Naturalistic philosophers should look with favour on the finite regress that peters out without foundations or thresholds or essences. That every mammal has a mother does not imply an infinite regress. Mammals have secure reality without foundations.
Gist of Idea
That every mammal has a mother is a secure reality, but without foundations
Source
Daniel C. Dennett (Brainchildren [1998], Ch.25)
Book Reference
Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Brainchildren' [Penguin 1998], p.362
A Reaction
I love this thought, which has permeated my thinking quite extensively. Logicians are terrified of regresses, but this may be because they haven't understood the vagueness of language.