Work

Mereological Anti-Conservatism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we examine an overlooked answer to the Special Composition Question (SCQ), termed "Mereological Anti-Conservatism." This view posits that extraordinary objects exist but that ordinary objects do not. For example, while tables and chairs do not exist, the mereological sums of these items do correspond to real objects. Although such a claim may initially seem absurd, we argue that (i) it is entirely derived from the claims and commitments of traditional rival theories-Nihilism, Universalism, and Conservatism; (ii) it resolves several issues that plague Conservatism, such as problems of vagueness, change and persistence, and the shortcomings of common sense; and (iii) it offers a more plausible perspective than Conservatism when considering the vast scale of possible worlds with differently segmented realities. Ultimately, we contend that if Anti-Conservatism is deemed implausible, then Conservatism must be as well, for structurally similar reasons.

Source: Acta Analytica

DOI: 10.1007/s12136-025-00630-w

Authors: Alexandre Declos, Vincent Grandjean

Institutions: University of Neuchâtel, University of Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and Theoretical Science

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Universität Zürich