Problems for Simple Realism
Problems for Simple Realism
This chapter discusses arguments that rebut simple realism; it is contended here that careful consideration of certain matters that arise in connection with questions of ontology brings to fore strong and formidable arguments against simple realism. The key methodological aphorism honored here is one that acknowledges the importance of following commonsense reflection to where it leads. This requires not recoiling from the consequences of a line of thought guided by commonsensical modes of reasoning even if these seem repugnant to naive common sense itself. The antithesis stage of simple realism is presented here; this stage of our inquiry will conclude in leaving reflective common sense deeply in tension with itself. On the one hand, common sense is still inclined to accept simple realism; on the other, common sense is aware of very deep problems that appear to render simple realism untenable.
Keywords: simple realism, methodological aphorism, commonsensical modes of reasoning, naive common sense, antithesis stage, reflective common sense
MIT Press Scholarship Online requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books within the service. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter.
Please, subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.
To troubleshoot, please check our FAQs, and if you can't find the answer there, please contact us.