How to Make the Case for Brute Facts

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elanor Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Question ◽  
Metaphysical Theory ◽  
Adequate Ground

Ontologically brute facts are facts with no explanation. Although such facts appear to be mysterious, some philosophers have argued that we should embrace ontologically brute facts. This raises a methodological question: what is an adequate ground for belief in ontological bruteness? This chapter explores this question. It begins by considering three failed attempts to make the case for bruteness and draws cautionary lessons from these failures. It then offers a positive proposal according to which if a naturalistic, general metaphysical theory with strong abductive support posits ontologically brute facts, then this is an adequate (but defeasible) case for ontological bruteness.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ ПАРАДИГМЫ МЕТОДОЛОГИИ ЮРИСПРУДЕНЦИИ

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 32-40
Author(s):  
Ю. М. Оборотов
Keyword(s):  
Legal Theory ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
The State ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Methodological Question ◽  
Modern Development ◽  
Decisive Importance ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
The Law

В современной методологии юриспруденции происходит переход от изучения состо­яний ее объекта, которыми выступают право и государство, к постижению этого объек­та в его изменениях и превращениях. Две подсистемы методологии юриспруденции, подсистема обращенная к состоянию права и государства; и подсистема обращенная к изменениям права и государства, — получают свое отображение в концептуальной форме, методологических подходах, методах, специфических понятиях. Показательны перемены в содержании методологии юриспруденции, где определяю­щее значение имеют методологические подходы, определяющие стратегию исследова­тельских поисков во взаимосвязи юриспруденции с правом и государством. Среди наи­более характерных подходов антропологический, аксиологический, цивилизационный, синергетический и герменевтический — определяют плюралистичность современной методологии и свидетельствуют о становлении новой парадигмы методологии юриспру­денции.   In modern methodology of jurisprudence there is a transition from the study the states of its object to its comprehension in changes and transformations. Hence the two subsystems of methodology of jurisprudence: subsystem facing the states of the law and the state as well as their components and aspects; and subsystem facing the changes of the law and the state in general and their constituents. These subsystems of methodology of jurisprudence receive its reflection in conceptual form, methodological approaches, methods, specific concepts. Methodology of jurisprudence should not be restricted to the methodology of legal theory. In this regard, it is an important methodological question about subject of jurisprudence. It is proposed to consider the subject of jurisprudence as complex, covering both the law and the state in their specificity, interaction and integrity. Indicative changes in the content methodology of jurisprudence are the usage of decisive importance methodological approaches that govern research strategy searches in conjunction with the law and the state. Among the most characteristic of modern development approaches: anthropological, axiological, civilization, synergistic and hermeneutic. Modern methodology of jurisprudence is pluralistic in nature alleging various approaches to the law and the state. Marked approaches allow the formation of a new paradigm methodology of jurisprudence.

Plato and the MEΓIΣTA ΓENH of the Sophist: A Reinterpretation

1952 ◽  
Vol 2 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 32-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Peck
Keyword(s):  
Metaphysical Theory ◽  
The Way

It is important to recognize that the problem dealt with by Plato in the central part of the Sophist (232 b–264 d) is one which arises from the use of certain Greek phrases, and has no necessary or direct connexion with metaphysics (although the solution of it which Plato offers has an important bearing on the defence of his own metaphysical theory against one particular kind of attack). We tend to obscure this fact if we use English terms such as ‘Being’, ‘Reality’, ‘Existence’, etc., in discussing the dialogue, and indeed make it almost impossible to understand what Plato is trying to do. It is the way in which die Greek terms ỗν and μή ỗν and other such terms are used by the ‘sophists’ which gives rise to the problem.

scholarly journals Finite in Infinity

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-109
Author(s):  
Hannah Laurens
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Human Nature ◽  
Human Freedom ◽  
Close Connection ◽  
Metaphysical Theory

One of the main themes in Spinoza’s Ethics is the issue of human freedom: What does it consist in and how may it be attained? Spinoza’s ethical views crucially depend on his metaphysical theory, and this close connection provides the answer to several central questions concerning Spinoza’s conception of human freedom. Firstly, how can we accommodate human freedom within Spinoza’s necessitarianism—in the context of which Spinoza rejects the notion of a free will? Secondly, how can humans, as merely finite beings, genuinely attain freedom? Can Spinoza defend his claim that we may even attain blessedness? I will argue that these questions are answered by appeal to a twofold in human nature. According to Spinoza, we are finite in infinity.

scholarly journals The Dynamic Theory of Time and Time Travel to the Past

Disputatio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (57) ◽  
pp. 137-165
Author(s):  
Ned Markosian
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Theory ◽  
Time Travel ◽  
Static Theory ◽  
The Past ◽  
Metaphysical Theory ◽  
The Difference

AbstractI argue that time travel to the past is impossible, given a certain metaphysical theory, namely, The Dynamic Theory of Time. I first spell out my particular way of capturing the difference between The Dynamic Theory of Time and its rival, The Static Theory of Time. Next I offer four different arguments for the conclusion that The Dynamic Theory is inconsistent with the possibility of time travel to the past. Then I argue that, even if I am wrong about this, it will still be true that The Dynamic Theory entails that you should not want to travel back to the past. Finally, I conclude by considering a puzzle that arises for those who believe that time travel to the past is metaphysically impossible: What exactly are we thinking about when we seem to be thinking about traveling back in time? For it certainly does not feel like we are thinking about something that is metaphysically impossible.

scholarly journals Reality, fundamentality, grounding (and cognate notions)

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-124
Author(s):  
Sasa Popovic
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Ontological Dependence ◽  
Satisfactory Solution ◽  
Explanatory Role ◽  
Kit Fine ◽  
Metaphysical Theory ◽  
Pure Logic ◽  
Logic Of Ground ◽  
Essentially Contested Concept

The notion of grounding is one of the central notions in the debates concerning ontological dependence in contemporary metaphysics and metametaphysics. In this paper we have carried out a comparative analysis of grounding, supervenience, reality, fundamentality, and cognate notions, and we have demonstrated what their role should be in the context of neo-Aristotelian hierarchical ontologies and the project of metaphysical foundationalism. We have also sketched out some basic outlines of what Kit Fine calls ?the pure logic of ground? by establishing certain formal desiderata which grounding ought to meet in order to successfully carry out its specific ontologico- explanatory role. It is finally shown that grounding suffers from similar problems and shortcomings as supervenience, and that a satisfactory solution of those problems cannot be found by looking to metaphysical primitivism according to which grounding is a sui generis, primitive and unanalysable notion which is nonetheless essential for metaphysics. Even though grounding might turn out to be an ?essentially contested concept?, in the end we suggest how the aforementioned problems might be met by means of holistic considerations of grounding within the broader context of the entire (meta)metaphysical theory.

Materialism

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Stack
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Material Objects ◽  
Physical Processes ◽  
Ancient Greek ◽  
Material Forces ◽  
Metaphysical Theory

Materialism is a set of related theories which hold that all entities and processes are composed of – or are reducible to – matter, material forces or physical processes. All events and facts are explainable, actually or in principle, in terms of body, material objects or dynamic material changes or movements. In general, the metaphysical theory of materialism entails the denial of the reality of spiritual beings, consciousness and mental or psychic states or processes, as ontologically distinct from, or independent of, material changes or processes. Since it denies the existence of spiritual beings or forces, materialism typically is allied with atheism or agnosticism. The forms of materialism extend from the ancient Greek atomistic materialism through eighteenth- and nineteenth-century scientifically based theories, to recent sophisticated defences of various types of materialism.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF VETIVER ROOTS ON SOIL RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION IN A TYPIC FLUVIC NEOSSOL IN THE SÃO FRANCISCO RIVERBANK

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 935-943
Author(s):  
Lorena Machado ◽  
Francisco Sandro Rodrigues Holanda ◽  
Alceu Pedrotti ◽  
Olavo José Marques Ferreira ◽  
Renisson Neponuceno de Araújo Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Retention ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Root Density ◽  
Average Moisture Content ◽  
Soil Resistance ◽  
Vetiver Grass ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Particle Size Data ◽  
Adequate Ground ◽  
Resistance To Penetration

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the root of vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Robert) on the soil Resistance to penetration (RP) in the margins of the lower São Francisco River. Vetiver grass seedlings were planted on the riverbank margins in order to increase soil resistance to erosion processes, and RP assessments were made at soil depths of 0-0.20, 0.20-0.40, and 0.40-0.60 m in different situations (near the plants and within rows). RP data was obtained using an automated penetrometer. Gravimetric moisture data was also collected, as well as particle size data by densimetry, and root density data by the monolith method. The results of the RP, moisture, and root density studies were subjected to analysis of variance (p <0.05) and then the averages were compared by the Tukey test using SISVAR software. The samples next to the vetiver grass showed an average RP of 1793.94 kPa and an average moisture content of 11.78%, statistically differing from that of the sampled points within rows. RP and soil moisture did not differ statistically at the depth assessed. The vetiver grass produced an adequate ground cover, leading to higher water retention and hence a reduced resistance to penetration.

The growth of knowledge through the resource-based view

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Nagano
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metaphysical Theory ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Error Elimination ◽  
Growth Of Knowledge ◽  
New Framework

Purpose The resource-based view (RBV) has not previously been conceptualized as a theoretical framework encompassing metaphysical and empirical perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to logically analyze the evolutionary process of the RBV, triggered by “rigidity.” It attempts to clarify the significance and limitations of the RBV. Design/methodology/approach Based on Popper’s methodological model of the growth of knowledge, the study analyzed and evaluated the evolution of the RBV. Findings The RBV has evolved in three phases. The sub-problems have changed through empirical testing on the basis of one metaphysical problem and one metaphysical theory. Thus, the evolution may indicate progress within one framework. However, during phase 3, the ambiguity of concept may inhibit the growth of knowledge. For further progress, it is necessary to overcome the vulnerability of the RBV’s metaphysical statements. Research limitations/implications This paper shows the possibility of the growth of knowledge within the RBV framework and for a new framework to emerge due to its limitations. It should contribute both theoretically and practically to the field of strategic management. Originality/value Popper’s model was used to examine a previously neglected topic, namely, the growth of knowledge in the evolution of the RBV. Moreover, considering “rigidity” as corresponding to a process of error elimination is a novel approach, clearly revealing the dynamism of the RBV’s evolution.

scholarly journals Personal Identity and Practical Reason: The Failure of Kantian Replies to Parfit

Dialogue ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-350
Author(s):  
Jonny Anomaly
Keyword(s):  
Personal Identity ◽  
Moral Philosophy ◽  
Practical Reason ◽  
Practical Rationality ◽  
Practical Reasons ◽  
Metaphysical Theory ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTThis essay examines and criticizes a set of Kantian objections to Parfit's attempt in Reasons and Persons to connect his theory of personal identity to practical rationality and moral philosophy. Several of Parfit's critics have tried to sever the link he forges between his metaphysical and practical conclusions by invoking the Kantian thought that even if we accept his metaphysical theory of personal identity, we still have good practical grounds for rejecting that theory when deliberating about what to do. The argument between Parfit and his opponents illuminates broader questions about the relationship between our metaphysical beliefs and our practical reasons.

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