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
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