Single Idea 8605

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis]

Full Idea

There are three ways to give an account: 1) 'I deny it' - this earns a failing mark if the fact is really Moorean. 2) 'I analyse it thus'. 3) 'I accept it as primitive'. Not every account is an analysis.

Clarification

Moorean facts are obvious to common sense (like G.E. Moore's hand)

Gist of Idea

In addition to analysis of a concept, one can deny it, or accept it as primitive

Source

David Lewis (New work for a theory of universals [1983], '1 Ov Many')

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.198


A Reaction

I prefer Shoemaker's view (Idea 8559). Personally I think 1) should be employed more often than it is (it is a very misunderstood approach). 3) has been overused in recent years (e.g. by Davidson and McGinn).

Related Idea

Idea 8559 Analysis aims at internal relationships, not reduction [Shoemaker]