Non-dualism, Infinite Regress Arguments and the “Weak Linguistic Principle”
Stefan Weber
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Abstract
Context: Is non-dualist epistemology, based on the unity of descriptions and objects, logically consistent? Problem: What is the status of the infinite regresses that the non-dualist Josef Mitterer, in his book The Beyond of Philosophy, censures in dualist thought? Their academic discussion is still in its infancy. Method: An attempt to reconstruct and differentiate Mitterer’s infinite regress accusations against dualism (originating from the 1970s) with today’s means and distinctions. Results: A weak and a strong linguistic principle are presented (non-dualism being subsumed under the strong linguistic principle), which are defined as such depending on whether the infinite regresses of dualism are interpreted as benign or as vicious. Implications: Further penetrating investigation of the infinite regresses highlighted by Mitterer is of crucial importance because these regresses have not yet been discussed and classified in relevant current publications on infinite regress arguments by authors such as Rescher or Gratton. Such proper classification is indispensable, however, if the value of the non-dualist alternative to, and its critique of, dualist thought is to be assessed adequately.
Key words: Reality, language, infinite regress, benign infinite regress, vicious infinite regress, infinite regress argument
Citation
Weber S. (2013) Non-dualism, infinite regress arguments and the “weak linguistic principle”. Constructivist Foundations 8(2): 148-157. http://constructivist.info/8/2/148
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