Book | Chapter
Fictionalism
pp. 239-282
Abstract
Fictionalism accepts the neo-Quinean criterion of ontological commitment but denies that sentences involving quantification over or singular terms referring to abstract objects are true. The work of Hartry Field and Mark Balaguer serves to represent this approach. Fictionalism is defended against objections based on the obvious truth of elementary mathematics, the indispensability/applicability of mathematics, and the alleged incoherence of fictionalism. Fictionalism is found to be a viable option for theists who accept the traditional criterion of ontological commitment; but doubts about that criterion are expressed.
Publication details
Published in:
Craig William Lane (2017) God and abstract objects: the coherence of theism: aseity. Dordrecht, Springer.
Pages: 239-282
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55384-9_7
Full citation:
Craig William Lane (2017) Fictionalism, In: God and abstract objects, Dordrecht, Springer, 239–282.