Combining Philosophers

All the ideas for H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim, Mark Steiner and Paul J. Cohen

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5 ideas

6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / a. Constructivism
We could accept the integers as primitive, then use sets to construct the rest [Cohen]
9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 3. Individual Essences
Particular essence is often captured by generality [Steiner,M]
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / e. Lawlike explanations
Maybe an instance of a generalisation is more explanatory than the particular case [Steiner,M]
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction
Six reduction levels: groups, lives, cells, molecules, atoms, particles [Putnam/Oppenheim, by Watson]
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / m. Explanation by proof
Explanatory proofs rest on 'characterizing properties' of entities or structure [Steiner,M]