Combinatorialism and the possibility of nothing

D. Efird; T. Stoneham

doi:10.1080/00048400600759134

Combinatorialism and the possibility of nothing

D. Efird, T. Stoneham

Philosophy

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

We argue that Armstrong's Combinatorialism allows for the possibility of nothing by giving a Combinatorial account of the empty world and show that such an account is consistent with the ontological and conceptual aims of the theory. We then suggest that the Combinatorialist should allow for this possibility given some methodological considerations. Consequently, rather than being 'spoils for the victor', as Armstrong maintains, deciding whether there might have been nothing helps to determine which metaphysics of modality is to be preferred.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	269-80
Number of pages	189
Journal	Australasian Journal of Philosophy
Volume	84
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/00048400600759134
Publication status	Published - Jun 2006

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10.1080/00048400600759134

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00048400600759134

Cite this

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title = "Combinatorialism and the possibility of nothing",

abstract = "We argue that Armstrong's Combinatorialism allows for the possibility of nothing by giving a Combinatorial account of the empty world and show that such an account is consistent with the ontological and conceptual aims of the theory. We then suggest that the Combinatorialist should allow for this possibility given some methodological considerations. Consequently, rather than being 'spoils for the victor', as Armstrong maintains, deciding whether there might have been nothing helps to determine which metaphysics of modality is to be preferred.",

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AB - We argue that Armstrong's Combinatorialism allows for the possibility of nothing by giving a Combinatorial account of the empty world and show that such an account is consistent with the ontological and conceptual aims of the theory. We then suggest that the Combinatorialist should allow for this possibility given some methodological considerations. Consequently, rather than being 'spoils for the victor', as Armstrong maintains, deciding whether there might have been nothing helps to determine which metaphysics of modality is to be preferred.

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