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Why eliminativism?

J E Wolff1

  • 1King's College, London, UK.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|April 30, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This paper critically examines Steven French's ontic structural realism, specifically his eliminativism about objects. It argues that the dependence relations used to support this view do not successfully eliminate objects, challenging a core tenet of structural realism.

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Area of Science:

  • Metaphysics
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • Steven French's ontic structural realism posits eliminativism about objects.
  • This controversial thesis has faced significant critical discussion.
  • French defends his position in 'The Structure of the World-Metaphysics & Representation' using dependence relations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate Steven French's defense of object eliminativism.
  • To analyze the efficacy of dependence relations in supporting eliminativism.
  • To challenge the notion that dependence relations can eliminate objects within ontic structural realism.

Main Methods:

  • Critical analysis of Steven French's arguments.
  • Examination of the role of dependence relations in metaphysical theories.
Keywords:
EliminativismExplanationOntic structural realismOntological dependenceOrdinary objects

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  • Philosophical argumentation regarding the ontology of objects.

    • Main Results:

    • The dependence relations invoked by French do not successfully eliminate objects.
    • French's defense of eliminativism, despite its novel approach, remains vulnerable to criticism.
    • The concept of objects persists even when analyzed through dependence relations.

    Conclusions:

    • Steven French's eliminativism about objects, as defended through dependence relations, is not successful.
    • Ontic structural realism may require alternative strategies to address the problem of object ontology.
    • The paper contributes to ongoing debates in metaphysics and the philosophy of science regarding realism and objecthood.