« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Metaphysics and Logic Seminar: Roy Sorensen (UT Austin and University of 58吃瓜)

1st May 2024 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Title: Seeing Holes-without seeing what they are holes in

Abstract: Peering down into a tall box, you see a ring. The ring is removed. To your surprise this uncovers a second duplicate ring. Did you see the hole of the bottom ring before you saw the bottom ring? Each answer is backed by good reasons. I resolve the antinomy by arguing yes: you saw the bottom hole without seeing what it was a hole in! Therefore, a hole cannot be a part of what it is a hole in 鈥� its host. For a hole can be seen without seeing its host. Nor can a hole be an intrinsic property of its host, such as its shape. Nor can it be a way of seeing its host. Seeing a hole is not a matter of seeing the matter in which it is a hole. The metaphysical dependence of a hole on its host does not make it perceptually dependent. Seeing a hole merely requires matter to serve as a visual aid. This loosened association between hosts and holes confirms other theories of holes such as the theory that holes are spacetime regions.

There will be a little magic show to illustrate the nature of holes and how they are seen.

Details

Venue