Single Idea 14898

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 6. Metaphysics as Conceptual]

Full Idea

The criteria of adequacy for metaphysics have come apart from anything to do with truth. Rather they are internal and peculiar to philosophy, they are semi-aesthetic, and they have more in common with the virtues of story-writing than with science.

Gist of Idea

Modern metaphysics pursues aesthetic criteria like story-writing, and abandons scientific truth

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 1.2.1)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.13


A Reaction

Part of a sustained polemic against contemporary analytic metaphysics. I love metaphysics, but they may be right. Writers like Sider, Fine, Lowe, Lewis, Stalnaker, Kripke, Armstrong, Dummett seem to tell independent stories, that really are works of art.