Single Idea 14952

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 1. Physical Objects]

Full Idea

Individual things are constructs built for second-best tracking of real patterns. They are not necessarily linguistic constructions, since some non-human animals almost certainly cognitively construct them.

Gist of Idea

Things are constructs for tracking patterns (and not linguistic, because animals do it)

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 4.5)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.242


A Reaction

Delighted to see animals making an appearance. Fans of language-based metaphysics please note. If they are fictional constructs, why do they do such a good job of tracking? What generates the 'superficial' appearance that there are objects?