Single Idea 14907

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 4. Metaphysics as Science]

Full Idea

To the extent that metaphysics is closely motivated by science, we should expect to make progress in metaphysics iff we can expect to make progress in science.

Gist of Idea

Progress in metaphysics must be tied to progress in science

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 1.3)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.35


A Reaction

To defer to and respect science does not necessitate that metaphysics cannot do independent work. I take there to be truths at a high-level of abstraction that are independent of the physical sciences, just as there are truths of chess or economics.