Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Abstract objects such as numbers and propositions exist b... — Carmelics
    Home
    HistoryEditSee Inverse

    Part of a larger discussion

    Challenges→Given presentism, everything exists at the present time.

    Abstract objects such as numbers and propositions exist but are not located at any time, including the present.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Mathematical truths (e.g., 2+2=4) are eternal and unchanging, suggesting they exist independently of time.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Numbers are causally inert—they don't interact with physical objects—so temporal location is conceptually inapplicable.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Our best scientific theories presuppose abstract objects; denying their existence undermines mathematical practice.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Only concrete, spatiotemporal entities have clear identity conditions; abstract objects lack determinate existence criteria.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Positing causally inert entities violates parsimony—we can explain mathematics via mental constructs or linguistic conventions.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Being atemporally located is metaphysically obscure; it's unclear what existence means outside the causal order entirely.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.

    Connections

    2 topics

    Truth & Knowledge1 linkedModality & Possibility1 linked

    Related

    Being atemporally located is metaphysically obscure; it's unclear what existence...Given presentism, everything exists at the present time.Mathematical truths (e.g., 2+2=4) are eternal and unchanging, suggesting they ex...Numbers are causally inert—they don't interact with physical objects—so temporal...
    +3 moreShow less
    Only concrete, spatiotemporal entities have clear identity conditions; abstract ...Our best scientific theories presuppose abstract objects; denying their existenc...Positing causally inert entities violates parsimony—we can explain mathematics v...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit