Single Idea 15056

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 2. Reduction]

Full Idea

The notion of ground should be distinguished from the strict notion of reduction. A statement of reduction implies the unreality of what is reduced, but a statement of ground does not.

Gist of Idea

The notion of reduction (unlike that of 'ground') implies the unreality of what is reduced

Source

Kit Fine (The Question of Realism [2001], 5)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophers' Imprint' [-], p.15


A Reaction

That seems like a bit of a caricature of reduction. If you see a grey cloud and it reduces to a swarm of mosquitoes, you do not say that the cloud was 'unreal'. Fine is setting up a stall for 'ground' in the metaphysical market. We all seek structure.