The Interplay Between Relations, Substances, and Existence By
The Interplay Between Relations, Substances, and Existence By Andrew Janes A Thesis Submitted to Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts - Honours in Philosophy. April, 2019, Halifax, Nova Scotia Copyright Andrew Janes, 2019 Approved: Scott Edgar Doctor Date: 12/04/19 2 The Interplay Between Relations, Substances, and Existence by Andrew Janes Abstract This thesis explores the ontology of relations and the implications of it. I make the case that relations between multiple substances are impossible. Furthermore, I argue that existence is a predicate, and can therefore be the predicate of a relation. I do this to push the argument that substances cannot exist in relation to each other. The conclusion I make from this is that only one substance can exist, since otherwise a substance could exist in relation to another substance. This conclusion, I point out, is the doctrine of substance monism. Furthermore, I argue that the self exists, because it is given in experience. Because the self is a substance, and I have argued for substance monism, the self is the only substance there is. This conclusion is idealism, and, in conjunction with substance monism, necessitates solipsism. 12/04/19 3 1. Introduction In this paper, I investigate the commitments one must make when they uphold the Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR),1 which asserts that for every fact, truth, and state of affairs, there is a sufficient reason that explains why it holds. More specifically, I aim to investigate commitments regarding relations. Furthermore, I aim to show why these commitments ultimately lead to an abandonment of substance pluralism2 and realism.3 That is, one must abandon the PSR if they are to believe that substance pluralism or realism holds true, or abandon substance pluralism and realism if they believe the PSR to be true.
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