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Potentiality: actualism minus naturalism equals platonism

Giannini, Giacomo; Tugby, Matthew

Authors

Giacomo Giannini



Abstract

Vetter (2015) develops a localised theory of modality, based on potentialities of actual objects. Two factors play a key role in its appeal: its commitment to Hardcore Actualism, and to Naturalism. Vetter’s commitment to Naturalism is in part manifested in her adoption of Aristotelian universals. In this paper, we argue that a puzzle concerning the identity of unmanifested potentialities cannot be solved with an Aristotelian conception of properties. After introducing the puzzle, we examine Vetter’s attempt at amending the Aristotelian conception in a way that avoids the puzzle, and conclude that this amended version is no longer to be considered naturalistic. Potentiality theory cannot be both actualist and naturalist. We then argue that, if naturalism is to be abandoned by the actualist, there are good reasons to adopt a Platonist conception of universals, for they offer a number of theoretical advantages and allow us to avoid some of the problems facing Vetter’s theory.

Citation

Giannini, G., & Tugby, M. (2020). Potentiality: actualism minus naturalism equals platonism. Philosophical inquiries, 8(1), 117-140. https://doi.org/10.4454/philinq.v8i1.278

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 21, 2019
Online Publication Date Mar 31, 2020
Publication Date 2020
Deposit Date Jun 25, 2020
Journal Philinq : philosophical inquires.
Print ISSN 2281-8618
Electronic ISSN 2282-0248
Publisher Edizioni ETS
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 8
Issue 1
Pages 117-140
DOI https://doi.org/10.4454/philinq.v8i1.278
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1261764