The No-Category Ontology

摘要: 1. INTRODUCTIONAre there categories of being, that is, robust metaphysical the way things are fundamentally? Metaphysicians have advanced two central arguments in support such ontological categories: indispensability and theoretical utility arguments. In this paper, we argue neither is adequate to guarantee existence any things. To give focus discussion, critically examine Jonathan Lowe's four-category ontology (Lowe 2006). contrast, provide an alternative, no-category ontology: it dispenses with fundamental provides a deflationary understanding categorization terms concepts. Concepts, argue, as opposed categories, can always be revised, refined, recast. The result distinctive deflationary, ontology.2. ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF CATEGORIES (OF BEING)Ontological or said by their proponents capture rather than our representation ways being. Following long-standing tradition metaphysics, exhibit deep status Two crucially different approaches metaphysics at stake. According what called ontology-first approach, characterized study features reality. This earliest self-understanding traced back Aristotle, arguably most significant well. representation-first according which representations (or, least, central) similarly part celebrated tradition, Kant. approach on mechanisms world, accompanying limitations. As result, significantly more anthropocentric would recognize, studied ultimately thought These are, course, fundamentally characterizing corresponding categories.Jonathan Lowe offers detailed defense [2006]; see, particular, pp. 5-8). One his goals understood ontology-first, has made progress precisely uncovering proper (in favors).It common (and elsewhere) for new relying claims indispensable either workings world construction ideal theory domain question (Colyvan 2001), else merely upon constructing range over (kinds of) objects defended argument. important feature each form inference facts warrant commitment construction.Indispensability considerations deemed commitments certain tasks: explain class phenomena, express notions, characterize given domain. If without objects, one cannot carry out these explanatory, expressive, characterization tasks, then tasks hand. On formulation, modal notion: not possible implement relevant being ontologically committed objects. Thus understood, strong, metaphysically notion. …