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    If the purported truth is really about a concept or descr... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→True propositions can be stated about non-existent objects.

    If the purported truth is really about a concept or description rather than an object, the claim that non-existent objects bear properties is dissolved rather than vindicated.

    ?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.Statements about 'unicorns' succeed linguistically by describing a concept, not requiring non-existent objects to exist.
      ?

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    • 2.Property-attribution to non-existent objects relies on category confusion between semantic content and metaphysical ontology.
      ?

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    • 3.Dissolving the problem conceptually avoids commitment to abstract objects while preserving meaningful discourse about fictional entities.
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Concepts themselves are abstract objects; redirecting to descriptions merely relocates rather than eliminates the non-existence problem.
      ?

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    • 2.Some truths about non-existent objects (e.g., 'Sherlock is fictional') seem to require the object itself to ground the property claim.
      ?

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    • 3.The concept/object distinction doesn't clearly explain why 'round squares are round' succeeds while 'round squares are square' seems acceptable.
      ?

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    Connections

    2 topics

    Truth & Knowledge1 linkedPhilosophy of Language1 linked

    Related

    Concepts themselves are abstract objects; redirecting to descriptions merely rel...Dissolving the problem conceptually avoids commitment to abstract objects while ...Property-attribution to non-existent objects relies on category confusion betwee...Some truths about non-existent objects (e.g., 'Sherlock is fictional') seem to r...
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    Statements about 'unicorns' succeed linguistically by describing a concept, not ...The concept/object distinction doesn't clearly explain why 'round squares are ro...True propositions can be stated about non-existent objects.

    Details

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