Single Idea 16127

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 5. Metaphysics beyond Science]

Full Idea

I do not claim that metaphysics on its own can, in general, tell us what there is. Rather - to a first approximation - I hold that metaphysics by itself only tells us what there could be.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysics tells us what there could be, rather than what there is

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 1.3)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.9


A Reaction

If there is going to be a modern defence of metaphysics, in an age dominated by empirical science, this sounds pretty good to me. Presumably it also says what there couldn't be. The challenge is to offer authority for any claims made.

Related Idea

Idea 19228 Sciences concern existence, but philosophy also concerns potential existence [Peirce]