Morehead State University
Facts are Relations
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Christina Conroy
Abstract
This project suggests the idea that, at the very base of reality, all facts are relations. Of course, while this suggestion seems simple at first, it leads to a variety of problems. First, it entails that intrinsic facts or properties may not exist, something many metaphysicians would suggest entombs our ability to substantiate change; however, the suggestion here is that we do not require intrinsic properties in order for change to occur. We are also presented with a problem of regress: if all facts are relations, does this mean that all facts can be traced in an infinite backwards relativity? This is argued away by suggesting that facts about constituents are relations, but facts about systems may function differently. Ultimately, the goal of this project was to provide the foundational research, vernacular, and theories to begin analyzing the metaphysical relationship of facts, space, and time when placed in the realm of Quantum Mechanics; the same arguments, however, may hold an over-arching importance to general physics as well. In the future, this project will serve as a reference for one of greater scope and difficulty.
Facts are Relations
This project suggests the idea that, at the very base of reality, all facts are relations. Of course, while this suggestion seems simple at first, it leads to a variety of problems. First, it entails that intrinsic facts or properties may not exist, something many metaphysicians would suggest entombs our ability to substantiate change; however, the suggestion here is that we do not require intrinsic properties in order for change to occur. We are also presented with a problem of regress: if all facts are relations, does this mean that all facts can be traced in an infinite backwards relativity? This is argued away by suggesting that facts about constituents are relations, but facts about systems may function differently. Ultimately, the goal of this project was to provide the foundational research, vernacular, and theories to begin analyzing the metaphysical relationship of facts, space, and time when placed in the realm of Quantum Mechanics; the same arguments, however, may hold an over-arching importance to general physics as well. In the future, this project will serve as a reference for one of greater scope and difficulty.