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Existence, mathematical nominalism, and meta-ontology: An objection to Azzouni on criteria for existence

Abstract:
Jody Azzouni argues that whilst it is indeterminate what the criteria for existence are, there is a criterion that has been collectively adopted to use ‘exist’ that we can employ to argue for positions in ontology. I raise and defend a novel objection to Azzouni: his view has the counterintuitive consequence that the facts regarding what exists can and will change when users of the word ‘exist’ change what criteria they associate with its usage. Considering three responses, I argue Azzouni has best reason to take one that ultimately renders unsuccessful his arguments against mathematical abstracta.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1093/philmat/nky006

Authors

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Philosophy Faculty
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-2006-9219


Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Journal:
Philosophia Mathematica More from this journal
Volume:
26
Issue:
2
Pages:
251-265
Publication date:
2018-04-03
Acceptance date:
2018-02-28
DOI:
EISSN:
1744-6406
ISSN:
0031-8019


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1078337
Local pid:
pubs:1078337
Deposit date:
2021-01-21
ARK identifier:

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