Limning the True and Ultimate Structure of Reality
Sebastian Speitel

Abstract:
Limning the True and Ultimate Structure of Reality
Considerations on the (In)adequacy of Quine’s Criterion of Ontological Commitment
Sebastian Speitel


Abstract:
This thesis is a close examination of the role and structure of
ontology as conceived of by Quine with a particular emphasis on his
(in)famous criterion for the ontological commitment of theories. In
the first part, we investigate the genesis and role of the criterion
within the overall structure of Quine's ontology and briefly address
some challenges that have been advanced, doubting the adequacy of the
criterion for capturing what it intends to capture. We conclude that
these challenges are only able to call the criterion into doubt if one
also abandons other fundamental constraints that Quine imposes on
ontology and that limit what it is that one can reasonably hope to
achieve in the study of ontology, given its underlying naturalistic
framework.
  In the second part of the thesis we consider the objection that the
language of regimentation required for the proper workings of the
criterion, Quine's canonical notation, is inadequate for the task it
was designed to do. We reject all previous attempts at demonstrating
this claim and offering an emendation of canonical notation to then
present our own vindication of it by showing how two principles active
in Quine's ontology conflict and render a modification of canonical
notation necessary. We will suggest such a modification and show that
it respects all constraints that were imposed by the Quinean
framework.