--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Lewis famously advocated a metaphysical…" description: "\"“Lewis famously advocated a metaphysical methodology based on subjecting rival hypotheses to a cost-benefit analysis. Usually there are two kinds of co..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b76/james-ladyman-64078_taken-for-granted_lewis-famously-advocated-a-metaphysical_1176617.jpg" --- # Lewis famously advocated a metaphysical methodology based… ![“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…” quote by James Ladyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b76/james-ladyman-64078_taken-for-granted_lewis-famously-advocated-a-metaphysical_1176617.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b76/james-ladyman-64078_taken-for-granted_lewis-famously-advocated-a-metaphysical_1176617.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b76/james-ladyman-64078_taken-for-granted_lewis-famously-advocated-a-metaphysical_1176617.jpg) > ““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.”” [James Ladyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-ladyman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Abandoning Intuitions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abandoning-intuitions-3433338/) [Accepting Metaphysical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accepting-metaphysical-3433337/) [Advocated Metaphysical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advocated-metaphysical-3433336/) [Metaphysical Methodology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphysical-methodology-3433335/) [Metaphysical Thesis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphysical-thesis-3433334/) [Taken for granted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taken-for-granted/) ## Related quotes > [“ving self and others is an every second of every day of every week, of every month, of every year gift that should not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sanjo-jendayi/ving-self-and-others-is-an-every-second-of-every-day-of-every-week-of/) [Sanjo Jendayi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sanjo-jendayi/) > [Another day, Another blessing and Another chance at life. 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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. 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