Single Idea 14942

[catalogued under 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 6. Criterion for Existence]

Full Idea

We reject any grounds other than explanatory and predictive utility for admitting something into our ontology.

Gist of Idea

Only admit into ontology what is explanatory and predictive

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 3.7.3)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.179


A Reaction

Now you are talking. This is something like my thesis (which I take to be Aristotelian) - that without the drive for explanation we wouldn't even think of metaphysics, and so metaphysics should be understood in that light.