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A Defense of Idealism

A Defense of Idealism

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Long content References Appendix: Conclusion Introduction 4 3 2 1

Clock transportClock synchrony Truthmakers and l Real spacetime asexcess structure Three contemporary arguments The idealitymatter of and space: The of idealism

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G too. too u ( ll x ) . , CEU eTD Collection Lighting necessitarian makes the chancy Lightning. in nature of laws the up sums above depicted sequence nomic the that follows it spheres, annihilating and recolouring except lightning the except anything with interact not described of the spheres. colours the to due are changes These annihilated. is it lightning, by hit is sphere If yellow. turns generated freshly a If lightning. by hit is them to describe, theyanything donotinteractwith inany way. a immovable are spheres The red. is sphere generated newly Every space. empty otherwise and wide a in generated hence infini without worlds possible are there that argues section This 2. epistemologically unacceptable establish possi nomically of chain infinite potentially a with associated is instance property every that guarantees consequences. possible that guarantees of consequence possible nomically a is if so case, that in true some for that suppose For poss nomically of chain infinite potentially a with associated C infinite 1. cam ht n Lightning, in that claim I spheresdo the sincespheresand the except denizens Lightningno Sincehas possibl nomologically The of one that chance some is there Lightning, in around spheres are there If spontaneously are spheres where Lightning, world, possible a Consider Pandispositionalism

2 pandispositionalism is not metaphysically not is necessary pandispositionalism

Finite nomic sequences nomic Finite

that this consequence of pandispositionalism pandispositionalism of consequence this that - by the tree. So So tree. generation of spheresgeneration of

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a yellow sphere is hit by lightning, it turns green. If a green green a If green. turns it lightning, by hit is sphere yellow a x following s being ’s Pandispositionalism

x

becomes entails thatall Since l cneune. h ga o 2 of goal The consequences. ble chain ofconditionals:chain x F ,

p F

has e behaviour of any given sphere in Lightning is is Lightning in sphere given any of behaviour e

andispositionalism . o niie C infinite no Struck ( F

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) holds. The tree tells us that us tells tree The holds. ) G a pce a random, at picked was a potentially infinite infinite potentially a , then ,

nd, apart from the phenomenon I’m about about I’m phenomenon the from apart nd, Struck 36 property

Red

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annihiliation have consequences that do not concern the concern not do that consequences have 37 an

nihiliation en generated Being

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from Pandispositionalism il un elw Hne te hi cn otne neiiey n the in indefinitely continue can chain the Hence, yellow. turn will being struck being Infinite epistemic descent Infinite nality theory theory D rty instance every property instance the pandispositionalist can bit can pandispositionalist the -

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. th violates (D*). (D*) requires that the conditional linked to a a to linked conditional the that requires (D*) (D*). violates one of the manifestations of of manifestations the of one I’ll discuss the costs of making pandispositionalism pandispositionalism making of costs the discuss I’ll x e next section. next e ,

that is being struck by lightning is such that if that such is lightning by struck being is that necessitarian otnet adsoiinls i te hss ht all that thesis the is pandispositionalism contingent . Lightning is concei is Lightning . S oe ant otne h can etad n the in leftward chain the continue cannot one So .

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. I see no reason to reason no see I . tree

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pandispositionalism is false. is pandispositionalism contingent pandispositionalism 38 grows from redness in Lightning. Since Since Lightning. in redness from grows

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h that pandispositionalism is true? If science is supposed to tell us that us tell to supposed is science If true? is pandispositionalism that h to science while , for all for , - tree

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, the authoritythe of science 40

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excuse .1 that there are dispositions all th all dispositions are there that .

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to cling such a such

of properties, hence we cannot attain a full full a attain cannot we hence properties, of

aeoia, u w cno dnt id them find don’t cannot we but categorical,

to p tree for every for tree 41 andispositionalism.

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i te li ta al udmna pyia prop physical fundamental all that claim the is )

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43

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For a summary of this view, see Hawthorne (2001). See also the references in note the referencesin also See (2001). Hawthorne see view, summarythis a of For e eg Yts 21: 5. o a rtcl icsin f hs on b a by point this of discussion critical a For 95). (2013: Yates e.g. See 2 Frank Jackson thinks that fundamental physical properties cannot help being being helpcannot properties fundamentalphysical that thinks Frank Jackson Indeed, the fact that the sciences investigate causal roles has led a number of of a number led causal roles investigate has theIndeed, sciences thefact that Similarly,Lierse andBrian CarolineEllis assert that . 1

and propensities. (Ellis and Lierse 1994: 32) capacitiespowers, of nature the of are dispositional.They all are about that properties fundamental most the exceptions, few With be impinge andour onus measuring instruments. to take they way the through essentially like they are things what about know We properties the about no is This do. properties these what us tell they fundamental, us tell physicists When dispositional properties, all waythe down. only finds science But powers. or dispositions its in precisely differs explain to perhaps enough without: different region a from different very is charge with region A region. that to relations spatial in things other on effect its through only known is region a at field a of magnitude the but region, a over o point, a at charge electrical an like things find we andmagnification the up Turn effects. dynamical its by only knowable defines Le is Resistance Are Are bi isse, f hr i sm ohr rpry hs instancing whose property other some is there if insisted, ibniz fundamental physical propertie physical fundamental

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l w cud vr nw bu ntr. It nature. about know ever could we all as use, of only is extension dispositional; 45

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Variation Transworld

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According to Barry Dainton (2001: 232), the target of Foster’s modal argument is is argument modal Foster’s of target the 232), (2001: Dainton Barry to According tniaim bu saeie I eiv ta sbtniaim n tef ant ie s ( us give cannot itself in substantivalism that believe I spacetime. about stantivalism Premise ( Premise Foster: of behalf on reply following the venture may One of contingency the of sense make can we that is objection this of gist The ( take to appears Foster realism spatial against argument modal Foster’s place, in concept this With 11 n. ec, ( Hence, ent. ( ( ( 11) 13) 12) ) seems justified justified seems ) shoe could have a been sandal. o instead sandal a worn have could I that fact modal the than more any laws different sustained have entail that fact doesnot Butdifferent laws. this T he laws of nature nature of laws he

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under ) is justified if spatiotemporal position is a categorical categorical a is position spatiotemporal if justified is ) .

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ih p in up high o prefer to resist the modal argument by treating laws as as laws treating by argument modal the resist modal an idle an according neral 3 premise y of of y

is that spatial realism is not motivated by motivated not is realism spatial that is 60

come apart come abductive

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space s posit which, by inference to the best the to inference by which, posit

ays that spacetime could not have have not could spacetime that ays tructure becomes physically relevant relevant physically becomes tructure hscl els t iels. Such idealism. to realism physical .

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hscl rpris r dispositional are properties physical 2 but

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establish is established

nomologically relevant nonphysical properties. I properties.nomologically relevant nonphysical and could not have sustained different laws. Foster’s Foster’s laws. different sustained have not could and that Chapter 3 lends independent support to Foster’s Foster’s to support independent lends 3 Chapter that that and

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or by denying the contingency of laws of contingency the denying by or prefer

o arguments against real space by John Foster. Foster. John by space real against arguments o ht el pc i phy is space real that one needs one

actual applications of the Power Regress are open to open are Regress Power the of applications we have reason to think that it does not exist not does it that think to reason have we by against is not is

needn reasons independent physical realism physical 61

physics.

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at On my official definition of reality, of definition myOnofficial prefer physical realism to idealism. to realism physical prefer issues Premise (II) can be justified by appeal to the Power Regress. Power the to appeal by justified be can (II) Premise argue has chapter present The to like I’d Third, are there if see to like I’d Second, ulct i te cul world actual the is duplicate V (V) (IV) (III) (II) (I) has ) iscomingChapter 3. upin

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gns mgt e el ihu big oal sprbe rm subjects from separable modally being without real be might rganism

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in its original form and in the weaker form defended here, defended form weaker the in and form original its in start develops the world physics.) isclosed under , the claim that idealism cannot supply tuthmakers for for tuthmakers supply cannot idealism that claim the ,

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cannot natural explain laws. 62 We saw at various points in the dialectic dialectic the in points various at saw We good Chapter 4 4 Chapter

from the definition of definition the from independent metaphysical reasons metaphysical independent , arguments.

the physical realism is preferable is realism physical or idealism. My own case for for case own My idealism. or ok at looks works for works

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Hence, in order to avoid the problems that the Powe the that problems the avoid to order in Hence, .

63

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1 1 one own his to confined being Albert, At certain areonthelinewhere places,there humps Albert lives: Real spacetime structure asexcess Albert the ant may thatconclude it

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ealis •

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64 view

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at asingle pointonly: t t

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= 5 = 4 = 3

65

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CEU eTD Collection where stick world different slightly then gradually original regains its size. appea world his in humps the then grow less see the he’ll namely, none change, will some notice Albert perceive, cannot Albert that dimension spatial the even line straight a in moving of as experience the has he dimension), spatial vertical second, the of unaware is (he curvature and elevation experience cannot Albert the far “ far so discussed we’ve world the call Let’s one a as experience Albert’s as far As Since perspective. Albert’s from like looks process this what see let’s Now is Albert when Finally, ad ln wee let lives Albert where line a and , when he is on the hump. But since parts of his meter stick disappear into into disappear stick meter his of parts since But hump. the on is he when

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contracted starts shrinking to a point to , hovering at, hoveringof the border throughout the point, it finally enters the contraction zone, zone, contraction the enters finally it point, 67 pushes

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re mere mental aids. Albert is free to choose choose to free is Albert aids. mental mere re choosing the model that seems more simple simple more seems that model the choosing Albert 69 physical

physical picture

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things. First, it is meant to show show to meant is it First, things. realists is realists

realists can resist this type of of type this resist can realists f elt. T reality. of

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tivate a similar similar a tivate argument to ts, first because it it because first ts, .

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theories into into theories for idealism. idealism. for ical realism realism ical cture of his of cture f

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CEU eTD Collection think ofthink these as points momentaryevents at theon each point example, momen represent diagram the in Points axis. the example, at For stationed observer place. the of particular trajectory aspatiotemporal visited it which at times the and object at point S 3.2 simultaneitycan the motivate realist physical than satisfying more Sect solution. solutions realist physical arguethat surveys 3.3 Section puzzle. this of details the dif in varies light of speed the that claim the with compatible seems it Specifically, observation with compatible seems relativity special that is problem the Briefly, simultaneity.” ( of conventionality “the called is puzzle The relativity. of philosophy a explore sections following The 3.2 uppose that the space of an observer is single line, with the observer standing standing observer the with line, single is observer an of space the that uppose ferent directions but the discrepancies even out. The present section explains explains section present The out. even discrepancies the but directions ferent coordinat this in line A Now let’saxis togenerate add a a time two .1

The conventionality ofsimultaneity P Measuring theone

and two mirrors positioned onbothsidesatdistance:and positioned unit twomirrors the puzzle has puzzle the o 34 ulns h iels slto. ’l ru ta i i much is it that argue I’ll solution. idealist the outlines 3.4 ion - transcendent hypotheses about variations in the speed of light. of speed the in variations about hypotheses transcendent

no straightforward and uncontroversial physical realist realist physical uncontroversial and straightforward no t an of trajectory spatial the both represents system e

axis “is” the placethe “is” axis view

- that spacetime isideal. that spacetime wayvelocity of light stra suggestions 70 n

ge

P tary events at a point in space. For space. in point a at events tary n rclirn pzl fo the from puzzle recalcitrant and . -

P dimensional spacetime: dimensional , but at different times. We can can Wedifferent times. at but , , hence the conventionality of of conventionality the hence , P

is represented by the by represented is

distant) distant) . I’ll t

CEU eTD Collection toward their respective sources.) and 3 Rays (Perhaps from travel 4 and 3 Rays as at linestilted 45degrees tothe at from emitted rays, light two of trajectory spacetime the place, in convention the (on light t

ups ecos u ui itnet be to distance unit our choose we Suppose towards travel 2 and 1 Rays or to traveling rays light of path the Generally, = oneach 0toward thethis: looklike side, mirrors will standard conception) is 1 unit distance per second. With this this With second. per distance unit 1 is conception) standard

4 are Rays 1 and 2, crossing at the origin or reflected back back reflected or origin the at crossing 2, and 1 Rays are 4 P Ray

oad oe itn tre, leaving target, distant some toward

1 x P

axis: from a distant source, reaching source, distant a from 71

Ray c 2

meters, so that the speed of of speed the that so meters,

from from P

will be represented be will P P

at at t t

0 = = 0. = P .

CEU eTD Collection ae omlto o te as f aue n l fae o reference of frames the pre important in all in nature of laws the of formulation same 24 nondeviant speed caseall directions.where the issame in round the so back, come to seconds 0.4 2.5 0.62 is mirror the toward light of speed the say, that, lighttakes it that observation The back. and mirror the to velocity same the with travels light her 2 / in space of units 2 traveled beam light the since light, of velocity the us gives then to returns mirror, the from back reflected beam, the when from beam light out send to is this do to way straightforward seemingly A light. of speed the cones, becausal will objective. hencestructureofthe thebasic order t on agree will observers all that entails also well in results light of speed the of invariance The else). everyone (and Superman of view of point c at traveling beam light a relativity, in But physics. classical in board velocity the across relative to applies This hour. per mile 1 at crawl will plane the observer. the stati a of of standpoint the velocity from mph the the600 at flying is that plane with a where chasing mph, 599 at flying is varies Superman physics, objects Newtonian of from velocity departure radicalapparent a marks idea This motion relative their matter no observers, all to propagate in faster whichisimpossible than light, causally be can that areawere causallyconnected totheorigin, then th points “outermost” the point represent the by influenced 4 and 3 Rays and that points “outermost” the represent 2 and 1 Rays picture, previous the In constitute. they lightcone whose point those of collection at poi Every occurring event momentary the being itself origin (the origin

from the point of view of the sta the of view of point the from The second second The T c T to confined is observer the if that however, Notice, problem. following the consider Now relativity for thesame An important oflightis premise isthatthe velocity of The

only . In such a case, it will take the beam 1.6 seconds to reach the mirror and and mirror the reach to seconds 1.6 beam the take will it case, a such In . oft units to equal we 1,that is, expect the round

shaded means of measuring the speed of speed the measuring of means nt

basic principle basic in 2 ime. Given that we chose our metric unit tobe unit chose metric that weime. our Given

seconds to make the round the make to seconds the spacetime diagram has diagram spacetime the sent dialectic. sent ra nlsd y h fu ry i cle the called is rays four the by enclosed area P

- at known oddities like time dilation and length contraction. It contraction. length and dilation time like oddities known t

onary observer, then, in Superman’s frame of reference, reference, of frame Superman’s in then, observer, onary - = 0 toward one of the mirrors, and record the time, time, the record and mirrors, the of one toward 0 = event at the origin. If a point from outside the shaded shaded the outside from point a If origin. the at event

of relativity theory is that observation and experiment leads to the the to leads experiment and observation that is theory ofrelativity - events that can be causally connected to the point point the to connected causally be can that events

can causally influence the point the influence causally can

tionary observer will also travel at travel also will observer tionary 72 - trip will take 2 seconds, just as in the the in as just seconds, 2 take will trip

-

trip is compatible with the hypothesis hypothesis the with compatible is trip its own lightcone own its The -

trip to take 2seconds.trip to light, then she cannot be sure that that sure be cannot she then light, he shape and position of the light light the of position and shape he

(Einstein 1923: 41, 200 41, 1923: (Einstein observer at observer e causalwould have influence special 5 P c .

and this experiment is experiment this and T and its speed back is back speed its and his P - c P relativity. . A lightcone is the is lightcone A . event at the origin, origin, the at event

. Dividing 2 by 2 Dividing . meters, we expect we meters, wants to measure to wants principle lightcone

P

c

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CEU eTD Collection beam will we because on thesec left beam light the when value) known other some (or “0” read clock observer’s second the that saying for grounds good have must time, the beam by arrived. Dividing 1 records clock) distant the to access has who observer at observer t have we Suppose mirrors. to confined is observer the that assumption unreasonable the yearshundred since discovered was it by Einstein. that one relativity, philosophyof hand at to confined is who observer single a have we di we once disconfirm to easy trivially (in vacuum,rate atany round average the that tell only can She light. of velocity cannot “signal measu objects back”) that distant other mirrors (or to confined is who observer lonely a Hence, mirror. the hitting beam’s the of event the be could line dotted the on point each principle, takes2 light it observedfactthat the spacetime diagram ofthe we synchronized: be must clocks two the work, experiment this make To To see one why the scenario deviant the that is problem this about interesting is What with compatible are scenarios deviant such of infinity nondenumerable A If ,

at in t a no has

fact, = 0 ond clock won’t tell us how long it took light traverse ushowlong tell to distance, unit took clock it won’t ond P

from sends out a light beam at beam light a out sends light travels at 0.625 at travels light easy have no grounds for saying that when we released the light light the released we when that saying for grounds no have

P

, the secondread“0”, the clock solution. It is one of the most recalcitrant puzzles in the in puzzles recalcitrant most the of one is It solution. — - way velocity is not easy to measure, suppose we discard velocityeasyway we tomeasure, discard suppose isnot let’s ignore this). experiment wo clocks instead, one at one instead, clocks wo T , we theone have continues to continues c

seconds

to the right and at 2.5 at and right the to will looklikewill this: 73 t cr te nesnbe yohss that hypothesis unreasonable the scard

= 0, and the clock at clock the and 0, =

to

g P enerate

- bounce back from the mirror. In mirror. bouncethe fromback (or some other(or knownvalue) . w But, surprisingly But, ay oflight. velocity

P P c

ontroversy, more than a than more ontroversy, . Otherwise the readout the Otherwise .

and one at at one and - c trip velocity is velocity trip P

to the left, then the the then left, the to P

and can only only can and x

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CEU eTD Collection ofelectrodynamics. 25 evenmethod and themistakes out. into built already is result the about assumption incorrect an because undetectable, be will one real the and value this between difference one the that figure she’ll and distance, unit buddy, so hits when emitted (on 0.625 at “0”leaves light when the beam hit will signal the reckonsthat obs clock from travel take to second will 1 it light that believes she so velocity, uniform assumes observer Our left. 0.625 at travels light reality, in that suppose and speed the at travel signals electric that assume let’s simplicity, For one. is there if even anomaly an detect not will measurements our then velocity, way constant measure we to want one from light of velocity the measure to phe th on depend if we toreadclocks want at “0” moment. the the twosame signalat to sendthe synchronizer toreach signal some time take will synchronizer the so light), than faster travel can nothing (because relativity in from sent signal, (on light ittook traversetime to distance. unit from off takes beam light the when setting from signal electric an send we beam, light the launching Before wire.

See Torretti (1979: 303) for a note on how deviances in the one the in deviances how on note a for 303) (1979: Torretti See B erver - nomena enhl, h lgt em hs one whose beam light the Meanwhile, one the for value admissible an choose arbitrarily we if that further, Note, of magnitude the then signaling, electric use we if that is trouble The clock that guarantee To synchronizer the reality, In reality. in happens what see Let’s clock Let A A B the know to have We’ll clocks. two the synchronize to light of speed way will read “1” when the light beam hits it. Hence, when the observer the when Hence, it. hits beam light the when “1” read will ’s time), ’s time), we have to know exactly how long it takes for the synchronizer synchronizer the for takes it long how exactly know to have we time), ’s

when

checks the checks B c

ed ot sga ta tls clock tells that signal a out sends to a known value that guarantees that the two clocks both read “0” “0” read both clocks two the that guarantees that value known a to from . 25 A sed f ih, since light, of speed e

A A B reads But “1.6.” So we cannot use this method to synchronize two distant clocks distant two synchronize to method this use cannot we So

A

reads “0.” This beam a beam This “0.” reads be at be will read “0”will when

A to second clock second

to B P B , so it reaches it so ,

, to reach clo reach to , and clock and

B prior tomeasuring it.

B leaves beam light the when “0” reads B , she’ll think that think she’ll , A

the moment the is running 0.6 seconds late in comparison to late seconds incomparison 0.6 is running . t

= B B A A

ck ck . Suppose it takes takes . Supposeit B P – A

at h sed f ih i ivle i electric in involved is light of speed the reads “0.6.”

S 74

. Then the readout on readout the Then .

to clock clock to lso takes 1.6 seconds to arrive to arrive to seconds 1.6 takes lso in 1.6 seconds. Since it is sent at sent is it Since seconds. 1.6 in to

B x (on (on

. Instantaneous signaling is impossible impossible is signaling Instantaneous .

= 1. We connect the two clocks by a by clocks two the connect We 1. = B - way velocity of light is light of velocity way - , because we must already know the the know already must we because , A wa B A ’s

y reads 0, so both clocks will read will clocks both so 0, reads to set itself to 0. The observer observer The 0. to itself set to B time), telling telling time),

c eoiy s en maue is measured being is velocity it took light 1 second to travel travel to second 1 light took it . At .

to the right and at 2.5 at and right the to t S

- =

way velocity affect the laws the affect velocity way seconds. Then we have have we Then seconds.

1 (on 1 the synchronization synchronization the

B B

to set itself to 0, to0, itself to set will give us the us give will

A signal travels travels signal c ’s time), ’s

m/sec. The m/sec. P

of light, light, of at c , or her her or , A B

t S to the the to

, so it it so ,

t to =

will will = 0 = the the – B A 1 - , , CEU eTD Collection expositions, and see Jammer (2006: Chs.9 (2006: Jammer see and expositions, 27 to back signaling 124 2006: Jammer and 1993 Einstein (see sam the beat to clocks two for order in synchronized be also must units time of length the c clock 26 (distant) simultaneity.”It has been aofdebateever since. subject claim Reichenbach’s of English endorsement 1963) (1955, Grünbaum’s Adolf entered through science of philosophy it and theory, relativity of interpretation landmark [1927]) (1957 Reichenbach’s Hans through science of philosophy the entered claimed that we simply Einstein relativity, special on paper seminal his In directions. all in speed same up end we’ll that way a such in measuring up mucked be will setup our assumption, one the about assumption an make to have we’ll so light, of velocity the on depends clock post, clock move we when Hence, down. slow clocks synchronized, thereadout on A and we them synchronize one , discrepancies in the one the in discrepancies ,

A similar masking effect occurs if we try to use two use to try we if occurs effect masking similar A See Reichenbach (1957: §19, 123 §19, (1957: Reichenbach See ed “, w sn a ih ba to beam light a send we “0,” reads - - one the that thesis The lig whether out find to way easy no is there up, sum To predicts relativity special that is idea this with problem The at side by side clocks two set We instead: following the do we Suppose the determine us help cannot clocks synchronized remotely that follows It a velocity way way light. velocity of A when it received the received it when 1923: 391923: A from travel to light by required “time” the that definition by establish for “time” at event an time, in compare, to assumption further without possible not is of neighbourhood immediate the in events of values time the at one the resembling point the at is there If events. these with simultaneous are which hands the of positions the finding determinethe tim point the at If

to to c

B B for for

qas h “ie i rqie t tae from travel to requires it “time” the equals il hw dfeet ie than time different a show will A – . the one

40)

A to correct for the slowdown. And if we make an incorrect incorrect an make we if And slowdown. the for correct to

and s. - 27 way velocities will be undetectable. will be wayvelocities A A - e valueseventsofimmediate the e in proximityof stipulate

way velocity isn’t.(See ifit even Appendix synchronizing signal. As long as the round the as long As signal. synchronizing B

The thesis is usually known as “the conventionality of conventionality “the as known usually is thesis The of space there is a clock, an observer at at observer an clock, a is there space of with an event at event an with 26 o te latte the for , locally. clock transport we Then

A

- , it is possible for an observerat an forpossible is it , a vlct o lgt s mte o co of matter a is light of velocity way B

– will tellustheone will 7) and Grünbaum (1955, 1963: 341 1963: (1955, Grünbaum and 7)

that the – B 10) on theon 10) –

5). Factoring this in would also involve clock clock involve also would in this Factoring 5). of space another clock in all respects all in clock another space of cno b dfnda l uls we unless all at defined be cannot r 75 B one

B . . Since the two clocks are already already are clocks two the Since . We have not defined a common a defined not have We -

way history of the puzzle. ofthe history - way synchronization, letting clock clock letting synchronization, way A

B - speeds are uniform: upon arrival. The slowdown slowdown The arrival. upon way velocity.

from — Notice that, properly speaking, speaking, properly that, Notice B P

B to to B

to the measurement measurement the to -

trip average velocity is is velocity average trip to to determine to ht travels with the the with travels ht A –

(Einstein . x epc of respect 68) for two classic classic two for 68)

B = 1, and, when when = 1,and, . But it But .

A that moving moving that .)

A

can

- by language language nvention nvention e time time e B

tell tell P B ,

CEU eTD Collection Minguzzi (2002), Minguzzi (2002), Scott see uniform, not 28 the left, sothemomentof reflection than slower travels light around: way other the than (earlier early comparatively occurs th slower much and right the to the on halfway is back reflected dotted line, coinciding with is beam the when moment the that means Gra come back. and reach mirror time amount the of light the same on theone (Rememb back. come use to diagrams beam the for seconds 2 takes it that i.e., simultaneity,” three consider uniform. the that assumption the of consequences technical uniform. is light of ob same the generate to claimed whichareof all well, as generalmodels more There are areconsidering.we that spacetimes 2D of kind the to applies which (1970), Winnie’s A. John is famous proposed been have relativity special of models deviant various so, yearsor hundred last the In 3.2

For a sample of nonstandard nonstandard of sample a For than faster much goes light 1, Scenario In deviant. are 3 and 1 Scenarios takes it that assumption (nondeviant) standard the represents 2 Scenario round average the that agree scenarios three The han at problem the why see to all, of First . 2

Consequences ofdeviance - way velocity.way c , models where the speed of light is not uniform. One of the most the of One uniform. not is light of speed the where models , and and meters as the unit of distance.) But the three scenarios disagree disagree scenarios three the But distance.) of unit the as meters Ben - 28 Iversen (1944), Edwards (1963), (1963), Edwards (1944), Iversen

- Yami (ms). h ga o ti scin s o rsn sm bsc non basic some present to is section this of goal The

models t

possibilities about possibilities = 1onthe

an

servable predictions as models where the speed speed the where models as predictions servable

of special relativity where the the where relativity special of c

occurs lateroccurs than to the left, so that the moment of reflection of moment the that so left, the to 76 P t

-

= 1) on 1) = clock.observer’s d is called “the conventionality of of conventionality “the called is d

c the one

to the right and faster than than faster and right the to P Winnie (1970), (1970), Winnie one ’s clock. In Scenario 3, it is it 3, Scenario In clock. ’s t -

trip velocity of light is light of velocity trip - = 1on way - way speed of light: speedway of one

speed of light is not is light of speed - P way ’s clock. Abraham (1986), (1986), Abraham speed of light is is light of speed phically, this this phically, er that the the that er

c

to c c - ,

CEU eTD Collection responses, let’s consider t downplay or undermine to seek that responses various spurred therefore has models deviant of existence The directions. all in speed same the with moves light whether elegance) theoretical r these about light also is amatterconvention. of one the then convention, of matter a is this if conversely, And, di when convention of matter one the If simultaneity.” limits, certain (Within point. faraway a at mirror the hits beam light the when moment at observer The of one which is convention it consequently, And, obtains. scenarios three these the of one convention which of mattera is itThen deviant. uniform or be to lightof speeds one the assume we whether convention of matter a is it argued, explicitly simultaneous with at observer the of history reflect at observer the of history local the with simultaneous is reflection) of moment (the t in moment which disagreeon also they

axis) is simultaneous is axis) thelight with beam’s hitting them If Scenario 1 obtains, then the moment when the light beam hits the mirror mirror the hits beam light the when moment the then obtains, 1 Scenario If to unintuitive profoundly seems It (distant) of conventionality “the called is hand at problem the why is This and implied Einstein as that, suppose Now one the on only not disagree therefore, scenarios, three The ion is simultaneous with simultaneous is ion of course. arelimits considerably But diagram asthe these shows, wide.) elations and that it is a matter of definition (or convenience, or or convenience, (or definition of matter a is it that and elations P

can simply stipulate which moment in her local history is the the is history local her in moment which stipulate simply can E 3

(which is,againevent). adifferent a further E - P a vlct o lgt s ovninl te i i a is it then conventional, is light of velocity way 1 ). If Scenario 3 obtains, the moment of reflection is reflection of moment the obtains, 3 Scenario If ). – E 3 stant events occur according to my local time. time. local my to according occur events stant

E is simultaneous with the moment of reflection. reflection. of moment the with simultaneous is

2 important consequenceimportant of deviance.

(which is a different point different a is (which

heir P 77 ). If Scenario 2 obtains, the moment of of moment the obtains, 2 Scenario If ). think P importance

’s local history (i.e. which point on the the on point which history(i.e.local ’s

that there is no fact of the matter matter the of fact no is there that

as Reichenbach and Grünbaum and Reichenbach as E Bfr loig no these into looking Before . 1

(which is a point a is (which

irror: -

event in the local local the in event - - way velocity of of velocity way way velocities, velocities, way mte of matter a

- event in event - way way

CEU eTD Collection light cone of the origin will look like this: look light cone origin will ofthe round theoreticallyrequired the to addingup velocities i example, For shape. one the casethe origin)instandard when be lookslike this causallyconnected to collection the is, (that origin the of cone light The cones. light - one the If one the in Variations way isuniform: light velocity of - way velocities are not uniform, the light cone will take a different a take will cone light the uniform, not are velocities way f light goes faster to the left than to the right (with the two the (with right the to than left the to faster goes light f ( Scenario 3: L Scenario - Deviantcase:one different way velocities of light will also affect the shape of of shape the affect also will light of velocities way Uniformone and at~2.5 and ight ight -

wayvelocity2) (Scenario travels~0.625 at 78

c

to the left) tothe - wayvelocities c

tothe right - trip speed of speed trip

of points that can can that points of c ), then the then ), CEU eTD Collection in order to appreciate the complexities involved. in order complexities toappreciate the example an at look to useful is it But philosopher’s. a than job physicist’s a of indicates,survey one about suggestions of history venerable a is There 3.3 are with physical compatible realism. dia of spectrum the exhaust they see, can I as far as but, of conventionality the to responses realist physical possible surveys section This 3.3 of simultan I’ll puzzle. the of explanation satisfying and claim, I’ll which, solution, non that argue them I’ll and conventionality of puzzle the to responses realist also conventional. cone this: ofthe like origin looks light the and striking, more even is case standard the from difference the where distant - aoh Ben Hanoch physical various at Ilook In3.3, parts. two into falls chapter this of rest The cone light of shape the that entails simultaneity of conventionality The .

way speed of light. As Max Jammer’s (2006: Ch.12) extremely detailed detailed extremely Ch.12) (2006: Jammer’s Max As light. of speed way 1

are

Physical realist solutions Experimental tests Experimental

tagtowr ad uncontroversial. and straightforward simultaneity. Not all of the theories below entail physical realism, realism, physical entail below theories the of all Not simultaneity. e ity is motivate can theview that spacetime -

ai m. cntutd dvat mode deviant a constructed (ms.) Yami an assessment of all these (apparently, failed) attempts is more is attempts failed) (apparently,these all of assessment an

(In

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speed toward speed observer) the c t necessarily cone t necessarily

awayfromobserver the 79

conclude

idealist the outline I’ll 3.4, In

experiments s

i

that the conventionality conventionality the that deal.

any longer.) lectical strategies that strategies lectical o seil relativity special of l

to measure the the measure to

a neat neat a e s

of of is

CEU eTD Collection moves the perfectly twodiscs is But that principle rigid. isfalsethat in rod the that presupposes 1849) in Fizeau L. H. by performed experiment all directions, then theone in screen the on mark a leaves light If directions. various in contraption whole at traveling light that such all Next, screen. the on mark speed what calculate can we then slits, two the of position relative the and rotate, they which at speed the discs, second the speed a at rotate to set is rod the a if Otherwise, leave side. other and the on contraption screen the the on mark through are get the will entered light beam so light discs, when two the was between first the where position the at is slit second the moment the second the reach will slit first the through getting beam light the then speed, right the with rotating is rod the If disc. first the at side one f is beam light A control. can we that speed a with rotated be can following the using uniform) contraption: found been has (and measured been) has (and Two disks, each with a slender slit on it, is fixed to the ends of a rod that rod a of ends the to fixed is it, on slit slender a with each disks, Two an on variation a is (which test this explains, 224) (2006: Jammer Max As 121 (2012: Maudlin Tim so hss ae u mr o ls dsusd esos f uh coupling such of versions disguised less proposals. (Jammer 2006: 222) or more but are numerous thesis, fact, In rods. conventionality the disprove to such proposed procedures, synchronization by mechanisms clock coupling by simp solved be course, of could, synchronization distant of problem the existed, rods rigid perfectly If distance. a at actions of generator a as serve could rod the that so well, as moving start instantaneously w rod a such of end one if that implies shape, geometrical of preservation as rigidity, perfect of deniesphysics, alsoexistence perfectly theof rigiddefinition rods. The Newtonian in admitted were which distance, a at actions of denial The

that disc, no mark will appear. If we know the distance between the two the between distance the know we If appear. will mark no disc,

the beam entering through the first slit will fail to hit the slit on on slit the hit to fail will slit first the through entering beam - way veloci c –

4) asserts that the one the that asserts4) we have to do is (i) set the rod to rotate at a speed a at rotate to rod the set (i) is do to have we will get through the second slit and (ii) turn the the turn (ii) and slit second the through get will ould be set into motion, the other end would end other the motion, into set be ould a

light ty of light is ty light of is 80

beam must have in order to leave a a leave to order in have must c -

wayveloci in alldirections. ty of light can be be can light tyof

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CEU eTD Collection argument is different from Putnam’s (1967) contention that presentism is false because of the the of relativity because false is presentism that contention (1967) Putnam’s from different is argument 33 spin about considerations uses (1994) Zangari and 1970), Pirani (rejoinder: tachyons from conventionality 32 be can simultaneity of solved byadopting Here’s conventionalitya brief eternalism. statement the that believe philosophers Some 3.3 carries itselfthan nomore Friedman weight in Janis 2010, (Grünbaum conventionalist the one uniform entail to happens b can proof Malament’s so systems, actual for obtain must symmetries such that path original the to respect with backward unfolds history when scenarios include transformations direct admissible Malament’s the words, reverse that reflections for allow must proof Ben e criticized on the groundse premises that criticized its ontheare self not

See Janis (2010: section 5) about other mathematical proofs. Feinberg proofs. mathematical other about 5) section (2010: Janis See For earlier versions of this argument, see Wingard (1972) and Petkov (1 Petkov and (1972) Wingard see argument, this of versions earlier For Second, the requirement that spacetime be symmetrical in a way that that way a in symmetrical be spacetime that requirement the Second, This argument hasthe followingshape: proof. Malament’s with problems two are There - . ai 20: 466 (2006: Yami 4 4 Eternalism (E3) (E2) (E1) 159 and Minkowski), 2009: (Petkov velocity. to as property a such according possess not does therefore reality absolute the (in spacetime one theof real magnitudetheincorrect aboutquestion an askedwe because forever natu a finds one the determining in circle vicious The dimensions. […] spatial three and temporal one with world dimensional four a is reality if convention of matter a be not will exists what But choiceand our on depend would three a not is reality one the of measurement the [about circle vicious the whichmessage, [T]he of simultaneity, i.e. because two observers can disagree on temporal relations. temporal on candisagree observers two because i.e. ofsimultaneity, - 1/2 particles (rejoinder: Gunn and Vetharaniam 1995). Vetharaniam Gunnand (rejoinder: particles 1/2

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such intuitions aresuch intuitions reliable. , breathing the same air we breathe, and leaving their bones behind when when behind bones their leaving and breathe, we air same the breathing ,

ther, the truthmaker is the state of God’s having a certain conception of our prehistory. prehistory. our of conception certain a having God’s of state the is truthmaker the ther, that our intentional states about dinosaurs refer to the contents of the the of contents the to refer dinosaurs about states intentional our that iie Inten Divine Divine Intentions Divine - ld as a seemingly autonomous system. Facts about prehistory are are prehistory about Facts system. autonomous seemingly a as ld ietd netoa sae wud ae a i w hd co had we if had have would states intentional directed t o wud ae asd s f e a be aon i the in around been had we if us caused have would God at emand a physical realist ontology. Idealists lack such intuitions such lack Idealists ontology. realist physical a emand iie Intentions Divine – 22). Let methis Let 22). ignore - directed thoughts are very similar to the contents of the the of contents the to similar very are thoughts directed tions

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God is the truthmaker forGod isthe truthmaker truths (14) (13) s . We do not think about the divine conception of the world. world. the of conception divine the about think not do We . . When we think about tables, we think about hunks of matter located matter of hunks about think we tables, about think we When .

this this in room412. God isnowdisposedtocausea table subjects observe to to observe412. inroom a table now disposedtocauseGod isnowcausing oris subjects u world our version of the version of e our phenomenal states, and the we make on the the on make we inferences the and states, phenomenal our e two readings of this complaint.two readings ofthis - directed tho - - ietd huhs I ol voae te ph the violates only It thoughts. directed ietd thoughts directed

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e claimed that the only non only the that claimed argued that theistic idealism can idealism theistic that argued o hscl els itiin ad one and intuitions realist physical to

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contention

specific specific because of of because (16) (15) numerable infinity of specific rules. rules. specific of infinity numerable unexplained if there is no real matter at the placewhereat realmatter no there if is unexplained . An easy theist idealist rejoinder would be that be would rejoinder idealist theist easy An . h actua the . The strongly idealistic Yogācāra school of Buddhism explained laws by by laws explained Buddhism of school Yogācāra idealistic strongly The teleology. law] holdlaw] for all objects. need we what intrinsicNewtonian same the of instances[specific withthat coincidence remarkable just lawfully some is but has forces contingently imposed object reacts which material feature each quantitative that postulation The G

m Laws of be naturecan by explained presencereal the of matter. Laws offacts natureare brute idealism true. if is laws laws , where , just happen to co to happen just Vimśatikā advocated by Ramsey and Lewi and Ramsey by advocated

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. It follows that Newton’s that follows It . in Tola and Dragonetti 2004: 113 Dragonetti 2004: and Tola in

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A - ( theistic theistic Discourse on Metaphysics on Discourse - ugss that suggests

comfort of mankind. Leibniz, prefiguring prefiguring Leibniz, mankind. of comfort . (Mackie 1973: 151) obtain. Or so the physical realist realist physical the so Or obtain.

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rtl aho is lawhood Brutal have a similar story to tell about the metaphysics of laws. To make matters make To laws. of metaphysics the about tell to story similar a have n epne te hscl els cn ge that, agree can realist physical the response, In Needless to say, I don’t expect the following dialectic to settle all problems all settle to dialectic following the expect don’t I say, to Needless plac preliminariesin these With easy Another

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the force of the nomic objection is is objection thenomic force of the 2.2, I look at the theory of laws as as laws theoryI at of the 2.2, look - theistic ontologies must treat laws (and (and laws treat must ontologies theistic

that the idealist the that 45

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rons are attracted by protons is protons by attracted are rons

H 46 - laws

to make that assumption. But it is clear that the H the that clear is it But assumption. that make to I will not argue either way. I only mention these issu these mention only I way. either argue not will I - - laws to build an elegant account of counterfactuals (H counterfactuals of account elegant an build to laws

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e Lee (04 192 (2004: Loewer see as see laws, 5), which, in turn, yielded a yielded turn, in which, 5), . r uninstantiated are

– o (i) uninstantiated in uninstantiated (iv) are set in stone as far as lawhood is lawhood as far as stone in set are (iv) 114 Lewis (1994: 479) and and 479) (1994: Lewis

– - laws. If the laws are H are laws the If laws.

(iv) have been answered or laid aside. aside. laid or answered been (iv) have ias. Perhaps a system a Perhaps ias. — not – - laws may be outweighed by the the by outweighed be may laws 4). I am not aware of Humean Humean of aware not am I 4). for example, the law that that law the example, for

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achieve the optimum trade optimum the achieve ium

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CEU eTD Collection co various with together plum ripe this meignore a Let ripening. to isconducive environment the that guarantee that of universals other experience the to corresponding the to linked the speaking, Strictly factors. 49 48 47 of second the by explained is links that universal ripen plums ideal that fact The observers. ripen, plums ideal When etc.). E that suggest characterizes that universal object greenish elliptical small a of experience the as experience plum, unripe subj immaterial telling whetherthe physical puts it atan realist advantage. theo the criticize or amend to not is goal my because 366). well. as 1983: objections technical (Lewis more other, are biceps There mighty has question in person the that guarantee a laws what on grip a us give not does necessitation” “nomic relation a calling that complainedfamously nomic necessitation forcing relations, second through other each to connected are universals because arises as regularity lawlike laws of theory the Generally, relation. complement, plum unripe second a but universal, a also is (which relation plum b process this of think to sweet green Being ceases like universals further of think can One universals.between relations with lawsnaturalof account markedlyunHumean, and influential, An 4.2

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. 2

as two (complex) universals that are linked by a nomic necessitation necessitation nomic a by linked are that universals (complex) two as etc. Those who conceive of laws as relations between universals invite us us invite universals between relations as laws of conceive who Those etc.

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E known objections to this theory. David Lewis Lewis David theory. this to objections known experience it eitne i te oi necessitation nomic the via existence into , 1 47

Tooley (1977), and Armstrong (1983, 1997). and (1983, Armstrong (1977), Tooley of experience characterizethe that universals is replace is is the is

, For an illustration, imagine an unripe plum. unripe an imagine illustration, an For en sour being 117 the

various being an unripe plum unripe an being

instantiation offurther universals.instantiation first as a complex universal composed of of composed universal complex a as

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order universals to idealism by by idealism to universals order order one). Whenever Whenever one). order hen t. hn h pu rpn, it ripens, plum the When etc.

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in the phenomenology of of phenomenology the in I bracket these problems, these bracket I s, t rg is nomic its drags it es), “ E

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an CEU eTD Collection universals universals is problematic is What it) observe to subjects cause to disposed needs one that 50 that that assume about conception ripening structural or and same the betweenrelation the so plums, identical qualitatively but have distinct numerically to assumed is instantiate relation another into into enters God once that way a conception structural or intention another is there And spring). in tree plum a at looks someone when (e.g. circumstances of existence conception structural or intention corresponding relation causal appropriate an in stands she plum, instantiates subject a If sensib the of conception God’s by underwritten are subjects finite and turn, in relations, these with God between causalrelations the further,that Suppose, universals. as conceived God, to relations (causal) specific in standing pheno various instantiate subjects that assume we and at anidealist the reading theory as of oflaws second ripe a into turn it see will enough at look who those that follows it then plum), ripe a of experience visual links relation necessitation nomic a by hypothesis, then, plum, unripe an If of experience plum. visual unripe the characterizes an that universal at looking subjects as state phenomenal at look same who Subjects plum. unripe an like exactly looks angle, wax of piece greenish certain a that Suppose are lawlike to change subject looking. anyone case without ripe becomes and the tree unobserved an to from hangs plum adapt unripe an when to hard is story The ripen. to come plums unobserved how

Note that, on the on that, Note Another, more subtle problem concerns phenomenally indiscriminable states. states. concerns phenomenally indiscriminable Another, problem subtle more wit problems two are There This theory construes laws as second as laws construes theory This theism with idealism conjoin We theory: alternative, following, the Consider

E S 2 1

to crops up repeatedly in God’s conception of the world, the of conception God’s in repeatedly up crops that characterize sensory characterize that are inde are E E 2 E

2 for the existence of unobserved plums is that they be observable be they that is plums unobserved of existence the for

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are

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with subjects, God is then disposed to enter enter to disposed then is God subjects, with E 1 118 , with ,

to

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itself is not threatened by unobserved plums unobserved by threatened not is itself 2 2

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in God’s mind such that the that such mind God’s in o ujcs ne specific under subjects to - order universals fails. R 1 menal state menal

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CEU eTD Collection 51 in the present context.) unimportant is issue This tropes. as or universals as either powers of think as of conceived powers with properties objects, intrinsic of powers the in grounded as laws of think ripen.the observed Generally,can regularity unripeplumstend one to that in resulting normal, are circumstances when activated naturally is power This ripen to power the power, intrinsic an having as plums unripe of conceive can one example, previous the to return to Or, powers. such of consequences the be then power electricitychargedwill attractingpositivelylaws of The of particles. electrons of conceive can one example, For laws that laws. under theory falling objects the the by possessed powers laws, intrinsic the from of derive theory unHumean second a consider Finally, 4.2 phenomenal second the that assume to have not does unlike because, states indistinguishable phenomenally from objection the rebut can idealist theist The plums. ripe of conception God’s later of conception God’s distinct. are conceptions two these an plums of conception God’s st phenomenal same the though even Therefore, later. that say experiences can waxlike us cause will God that entail that conceptions or idealist intentions theist the Specifically, plums. unripe suppose to that reason no has idealist theist the because blocked is objection The conception structural or intention certain a has God because obtains of virtue in at looking is Alice when happens what universals, story idealist theist the On plum. unripe an at looking universal, same the characterizedby is Suppose thatAlice at islooking determinate conception of time the those not

See e.g. Bird (2007) and Ellis (2001). Ellis (2001). and (2007) Bird e.g. See The objection from phenomenally indistinguishable states has no bite either. either. bite no has states indistinguishable phenomenally from objection The all observed be not need change lawlike to subject are that objects Physical a laws of theory the on take idealist theist The

open . S 3 visual experience of ripe plums, because because plums, ripe of experience visual objections G

Laws from powers Laws s h sm itnin o intention same the is

n h tes iels story idealist theist the in to q the the ern a eti relation certain a bearing ualities in turn. objections objections

that entail, but are not reducible to, conditionals. (One can can (One conditionals. to, reducible not are but entail, that

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CEU eTD Collection the storyat hand of existence the fromarise not harmony sincedoes An powers. the by not and harmony the by done is lifting heavy nomological The laws. be to there role: for order in harmony in subordinate be to need that a items the are they play powers then activated, are powers way the between ultimat laws If explanation. proposed the wrecks subjects of powers perceptual primitive of existence t that follows a not is Adamfor rhino a scenario, this for them) either etc. of registering conversation the in lapse this (without anythinghear not does or tree r the that remarks Adam when undetectable is actions his with correlated lawfully rhinoceros that thinks examine and approach to attempts her accompany warranted Eve. and Adam of objectan thereis an of inhabitants only the are Eve and powers is hard toseebe. could howwe it rate, any at or, experiences, other’s each of content whole the for responsible other’s each in changes initiate can we though even since powers, perceptual other’s each activate we that suggest to implausible also and is get it activated by themselves, perceptualjust primitive don’t powers po perceptual primitive activates shared similar argue might idealist The activated. have to power experience visual have to power the example, (for powers by ontology There are two problems with this story. The first is that it is unclear what what unclear is it that is first The story. this with problems two are There power adopt to try might idealist the pass, first a At This scenario is compatible with compatible is scenario This issue, this disregard we if even But

orderly overall structure overall cannot determinate

is y prpit tcie n adoiul xeine that experiences audiovisual and tactile appropriate by be activated in a in activated be O

ar likewise supported by appropriate phenomenal regularities phenomenal byappropriatesupported likewise he existence of la of existence he O

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t a t

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ws requires something extra over and above the above and over extra something requires ws s wers in this conception. Presumably, our our Presumably, conception. this in wers .

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in idealism in

the existence of primitive perceptual perceptual primitive of existence the

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CEU eTD Collection 52 ofpowercontext the in idealism and realism physical of merits relative the about problem a not generalaproblem ofpower aboutthetheory athand problem is guaranteed automatically not is can idealist the avoided, is response bold this be by concerns. ofprovidential Godonthe basis imposed is that order an for matter metaphysical the are Powers powers. from appeals it bephysical totallyworld couldnot chaotic.) cannot realism physical ha a in activated are subjects is it world, physical a create a non where the world idealist in worlds s And world physical no is there that in mesh to fail but case that in world physical common a inhabit not do Eve and Adam Clearly, island. conception Eve’s and com nothing is there fact, in that, so pervasive, is incoherence etc. trees banana about remark a hears coconut a receiving banana, a Adam hands Eve whenever banana, discrepancy this without trees, them banana for registering with filled is it thinks Eve and trees more bit a is Eve and Adam affects that incoherence representational the that suppose why, see individual overlapping loosely of number a inhabiting start and world physical common a inhabit to cease subjects then world, idealist an activatedLet way. ina harmonious me elaborate. be to guaranteed are subjects of powers perceptual the world, physical a create idealist theist

See Foster (2003) for anfor a (2003) Foster See If the perceptual powers of subjects are activated in a non a in activated are subjectsof powers perceptual the If idealist theist The In response, the idealist may idealist the response, In object might One to decision God’s given that, argue can idealist theist the Consequently, xlie b rfrne to reference by explained

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m 125

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is transported to transported is 126 pancy before we begin the experiment, experiment, the begin we before pancy P velocity n , and we synchronize them locally. Then locally.them synchronize we and , A

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will confirm the erroneous hypothesis that hypothesis erroneous the confirm will 129

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Introduction 1

1.5 Summary of Chapter 1 Chapter of 1.5 Summary grounding of 1.4 Theproblem 1.3 Complications adefinition 1.2 Introducing idealism defining about 1.1 Problems 1.3.9 P.S. Idealism 1.3.9 P.S. abstracta about 1.3.8 The fine 1.3.7 Summary 1.3.6 Alienobservers 1.3.5 Thoroughly matter psychofunctional 1.3.4 Psychophysical laws 1.3.3 Essentiality oforigin objects1.3.2 Worldbound 1.3.1 Self 1.2.6 Trivi 1.2.5 Toothin? 1.2.4 The story sofar withphysical1.2.3 Clash realism 1.2.2 Historical comparisons 1.2.1 The basic criterion The concept of - observation ally false?

Long contents Long - tuned definition of ideality tuned definition

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idealism

1.3.6

137

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3 2

solutions realist 3.3 Physical simultaneity of 3.2 Theconventionality the ant 3.1 Albert 2. 2. 2. 2.1 3.3.6 Summary of3.3 3.3.5 Gauge freedom 3.3.4 Eternalism 3.3.3 Mathematical arguments 3.3.2 Appeals simplicity to tests 3.3.1 Experimental 3.2.2 Consequencesdeviance of 3.2.1 Measuring theone 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2.1. 2.1. 2.1.2 2.1.1 Real Real spacetime asexcess structure Three contemporary arguments The idealitymatter of and space: 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2

.3 Summary of2. .2 The against abductiveargument .1 The modalargument against spatial realism . . . . T Summary of Chapter 2 Chapter of Summary worlds gappy and Scrambled t From 4 3 2 1 4 3

he Powe spatial real properties dispositions? Summary of2.1 Unknown categorical bases Th Arephysical fundamental Objections Finite nomicsequences Infinite e Infinite C e problem of position spatiotemporal he Power Regress he Power r Regress pistemic pistemic - trees

ism

3

and 2.2 and descent

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to idealism

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References Appendix: Conclusion 4

4.3 Summary of Chapter 4 Chapter of 4.3 Summary 4.2 Laws 4.1 Truthmakers solution 3.4 Theidealist Clock transportClock synchrony 4.2.4 Summary of4.2 Laws4.2.3 from powers Laws4.2.2 as second 4.2.1 Humean laws 4.1.3 Summary of4.1 4.1.2 Trut prehistory 4.1.1 Truthmakers for 3.4.4 The theidealist superiority solution of 3.4.3 Two objections 3.4.2 Elaborating thesolution 3.4.1 Sk Truthmakers and laws in idealism

etch of thesolution

hmakers the for present

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order universalsorder

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