Effect of Working Ontology on Some Conceptual Puzzles

Muller, Herbert FJ (2003) Effect of Working Ontology on Some Conceptual Puzzles.

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Abstract

This essay examines the effects of a change from traditional to working ontology on some conceptual problems that are under discussion in the literature : the liar paradox, the announced surprise paradox, the measurement problem, and the uncertainty relation. Some aspects of these puzzles appear to be by-products of the use of traditional ontology - as it is implied, for instance, in naïve realism - where conceptual tools have a (mind-independent) life of their own. Considering (in working ontology) what people can actually do with the conceptual tools they have facilitates the access to these puzzles.

Keywords:Working Ontology, Paradoxes, Puzzles, Realism, Measurement Problem, Uncertainty Relation, Mind-Brain Relation
Subjects:General Issues: Explanation
General Issues: History of Philosophy of Science
ID Code:1161
Deposited By:Muller, Herbert F J
Deposited On:14 May 2003