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    The idea of a lion with existence does not correspond to ... — Carmelics
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
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    Home/Modality & Possibility
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    The idea of a lion with existence does not correspond to a true and immutable nature

    Modality & Possibility
    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    2 reasons against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.A true and immutable nature (TIN) has a unity such that it cannot be divided by the intellect
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    • 2.A concept that can be coherently conceived as lacking one of its components was merely assembled by the intellect or imagination, not a genuine nature
      ?

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    • 3.One can coherently conceive of a lion that does not exist
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    2 perspectives
    Reason against 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Existence, for some entities, is analytically contained in their essence and cannot be coherently subtracted without conceptual contradiction.
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    • 2.If 'existing lion' is treated as a composite, the same deflationary move would dissolve necessary mathematical truths, which Descartes explicitly treats as TINs.
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    • 3.Descartes' own criterion—that TINs are recognized, not invented—applies equally to an essence that essentially includes existence when clearly and distinctly perceived.
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    Reason against 2 of 2
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    • 1.Meinong's distinction between Sosein and Sein entails that an object's character (being-a-lion) is logically independent of whether it falls under existence, undermining the premise that conceiving a non-existent lion shows existence is merely appended.
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    • 2.If coherent conceivability of absence suffices to disqualify TIN status, contingent mathematical instantiations (e.g., a triangle drawn in sand) would falsely disqualify triangularity itself as a TIN.
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    Topics

    Modality & Possibility

    Connections

    2 topics

    Truth & Knowledge1 linkedDivine Attributes1 linked

    Related

    A concept that can be coherently conceived as lacking one of its components was ...A true and immutable nature (TIN) has a unity such that it cannot be divided by ...Descartes' own criterion—that TINs are recognized, not invented—applies equally ...Existence, for some entities, is analytically contained in their essence and can...
    +4 moreShow less
    If 'existing lion' is treated as a composite, the same deflationary move would d...If coherent conceivability of absence suffices to disqualify TIN status, conting...Meinong's distinction between Sosein and Sein entails that an object's character...

    Similar

    One can coherently conceive of a lion that does not exist84%The idea of God also fails to correspond to a true and immutable natur...83%The conclusion that a maximally perfect island and an existent lion ne...78%True and immutable natures themselves exist in some mode, not merely a...76%

    Source

    AI-extracted1/3 agreementValid
    SEP: natural-theology
    View source passageHide passage
    Later, Descartes (AT 7.83–4) characterizes a TIN as having a unity such that it cannot be divided by the intellect. He thinks that having this feature shows that is hasn’t been simply put together by the intellect or imagination, and is thus a genuine nature. Accordingly, the idea of an existent lion does not correspond to a TIN because I can coherently conceive of a lion that doesn’t exist. Likewise I can coherently conceive of a maximally perfect island having one fewer coconut tree but one mo
    Extraction notes

    Validity: Extracted via Max plan + API grounding/validity checks

    Details

    One can coherently conceive of a lion that does not exist
    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    3 (1 for, 2 against)
    Edits
    1 edit