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    The conceptual coherence of a limiting case does not requ... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→An absolutely nothing state — the complete absence of all reality — is not conceptually coherent.

    The conceptual coherence of a limiting case does not require that the limit be achievable or instantiable, only that it be consistently defined.

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    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Mathematics routinely uses uninstantiable limits (infinity, infinitesimals) as rigorous theoretical tools without requiring physical realization.
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    • 2.Logical consistency is the only criterion needed for meaningful abstract concepts; instantiability conflates conceptual with physical possibility.
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    • 3.Many scientific laws describe idealized limiting cases (frictionless motion, perfect vacuums) that are conceptually clear yet physically impossible.
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    Reasons Against

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    Reason against
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    • 1.Consistent definition alone permits vacuous or incoherent concepts; we also need grounding in concrete cases to ensure empirical meaningfulness.
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    • 2.A limit case divorced from any possible instantiation may be logically consistent but lack the conceptual content needed to explain actual phenomena.
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    • 3.The distinction between 'consistently defined' and 'instantiable' obscures that our understanding of limits derives from recognizing approaching cases in reality.
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    Modality & Possibility1 linkedNatural Theology1 linked

    Related

    A limit case divorced from any possible instantiation may be logically consisten...An absolutely nothing state — the complete absence of all reality — is not conce...Consistent definition alone permits vacuous or incoherent concepts; we also need...Logical consistency is the only criterion needed for meaningful abstract concept...
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    Many scientific laws describe idealized limiting cases (frictionless motion, per...Mathematics routinely uses uninstantiable limits (infinity, infinitesimals) as r...The distinction between 'consistently defined' and 'instantiable' obscures that ...

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