Generalism and the Metaphysics of Ontic Structural Realism

British Journal for the Philosophy of Science:axy008 (2017)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Ontic structural realism (OSR) claims that all there is to the world is structure. But how can this slogan be turned into a worked-out metaphysics? Here I consider one potential answer: a metaphysical framework known as generalism (Dasgupta, 2009, 2016). According to the generalist, the most fundamental description of the world is not given in terms of individuals bearing properties, but rather, general facts about which states of affairs obtain. However, I contend that despite several apparent similarities between the positions, generalism is unable to capture the two main motivations for OSR. I suggest instead that OSR should be construed as a meta-metaphysical position.

Author's Profile

David Glick
University of California, Davis

Analytics

Added to PP
2017-11-03

Downloads
623 (#22,958)

6 months
78 (#48,442)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?