Single Idea 5487

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / d. Knowing essences]

Full Idea

Scientific essentialism requires that philosophers distinguish clearly between semantic issues, epistemological issues, and ontological issues.

Clarification

'Semantics' is meanings, and 'ontology' is what actually exists

Gist of Idea

Essentialism requires a clear separation of semantics, epistemology and ontology

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.138


A Reaction

Music to my ears - but then I think everyone should require that of philosophers, because it where they get themselves most confused. The trouble is that ontology is only obtainable epistemologically, and only expressible semantically.