Taken for granted Quote by James Ladyman
““Lewis famously advocated a metaphysical methodology based on subjecting rival hypotheses to a cost-benefit analysis. Usually there are two kinds of cost associated with accepting a metaphysical thesis. The first is accepting some kind of entity into one's ontology, for example, abstracta, possibilia, or a relation of primitive resemblance. The second is relinquishing some intuitions, for example, the intuition that causes antedate their effects, that dispositions reduce to categorical bases, or that facts about identity over time supervene on facts about instants of time. It is taken for granted that abandoning intuitions should be regarded as a cost rather than a benefit.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Philosophy of Physics, James Ladyman, 2002
Metaphysical theories are evaluated by weighing added entities against lost intuitions, treating intuition loss as a cost.
In simple terms: Weigh new ideas against what we must give up.
Key Takeaway
Balance novelty with intuition.
Themes
philosophy
metaphysics
methodology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- theory selection
- conceptual analysis
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit analysis
ontology
intuition loss
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we decide which intuitions are essential?
- When is adding an entity justified?
A Different Perspective
Intuition loss may be beneficial if it leads to clearer theories.
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