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    Ryle argued that 'exists' is systematically ambiguous acr... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→The word 'exist' is not ambiguous despite having been claimed to be

    Ryle argued that 'exists' is systematically ambiguous across ontological categories, such that existence for universals differs categorially from existence for particulars.

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    1 reason for
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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Particulars occupy spatiotemporal locations; universals do not. This categorical difference justifies distinct existence criteria.
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    • 2.Abstract objects like numbers seem to exist differently than concrete chairs. A univocal 'exists' obscures this difference.
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    • 3.Confusing existence-criteria across categories leads to pseudo-problems, like whether abstract objects are 'really' real.
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    Reasons Against

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    • 1.If 'exists' genuinely means different things across categories, statements like 'universals exist' become analytically true, trivializing debate.
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    • 2.We can acknowledge categorical differences without treating 'exists' as systematically ambiguous—ordinary univocal existence suffices.
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    • 3.Ryle's approach struggles to explain meaningful comparisons between categories (e.g., comparing numbers' and tables' modal properties).
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    Related

    Abstract objects like numbers seem to exist differently than concrete chairs. A ...Confusing existence-criteria across categories leads to pseudo-problems, like wh...If 'exists' genuinely means different things across categories, statements like ...Particulars occupy spatiotemporal locations; universals do not. This categorical...
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    Ryle's approach struggles to explain meaningful comparisons between categories (...The word 'exist' is not ambiguous despite having been claimed to beWe can acknowledge categorical differences without treating 'exists' as systemat...

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