Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
| |||
Non-existence, philosophy: non-existence is not simply expressible for the classical predicate logic which attributes properties through quantification in the form of (Ex)(Fx) "There is at least one x, with the property F" (in short "There is at least one F"), since existence is not a property. The form "There is at least one x that does not exist" is contradictory. See also existence predicate, "There is", existence, unicorn example, pegasus example, round square, proof of God's existence._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
---|---|---|---|
D.M. Armstrong on Non-Existence - Dictionary of Arguments
III 21 Non-existence/Non-existentnatural laws/Armstrong: E.g. "Nothing is faster than light": Armstrong: this is an uninstantiated natural law. - VsRegularity theory: it is no "empty" law (derived from paradox of implication). >Implication Paradox. LewisVsArmstrong: [the above example is an] universal statement, which also includes the negation. Natural law/Armstrong: also applies to non-existent entities. (regularity th. Vs). >Regularity Theory. III 163ff Non-existent: E.g. fictional grammars can be stronger or more complex: then [sentences about non-existent entities] are relations! Vs: better assume >counterfactual conditionals. Problem: what is the truth-maker here? >Truthmakers. Possible solution: assume a conceptual truth, which is more complex. - Problem: laws are no "conceptual truths". >Analyticity. _____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Armstrong I David M. Armstrong Meaning and Communication, The Philosophical Review 80, 1971, pp. 427-447 In Handlung, Kommunikation, Bedeutung, Georg Meggle, Frankfurt/M. 1979 Armstrong II (a) David M. Armstrong Dispositions as Categorical States In Dispositions, Tim Crane, London New York 1996 Armstrong II (b) David M. Armstrong Place’ s and Armstrong’ s Views Compared and Contrasted In Dispositions, Tim Crane, London New York 1996 Armstrong II (c) David M. Armstrong Reply to Martin In Dispositions, Tim Crane, London New York 1996 Armstrong II (d) David M. Armstrong Second Reply to Martin London New York 1996 Armstrong III D. Armstrong What is a Law of Nature? Cambridge 1983 |