Single Idea 14908

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

Full Idea

Principle of Naturalist Closure: A serious metaphysical claim must involve at least two scientific hypotheses, at least one from fundamental physics, and explain more than what the two hypotheses explain separately.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysics must involve at least two scientific hypotheses, one fundamental, and add to explanation

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.37


A Reaction

[compressed, from their longer qualified version] The idea that metaphysics should add to explanation is close to my heart. I am musing over whether essences add to explanation, which would be total anathema to Ladyman and Ross.