Philosopher Tim Crane discusses the concept of non-existence and its implications in thought and language, including the truth behind fictional creations, mistaken beliefs about non-existent objects, the existence of God, the nature of the mind, and the relationship between thought and its objects.
Thoughts about non-existent objects can still have truths about them, explained through existing entities.
The mind's directedness towards existent and non-existent objects raises questions about the nature of thought and representation.
Deep dives
Thinking and Talking about Non-Existence
We have the ability to think and talk about things that don't exist, such as fictional characters or imaginary concepts. However, traditionally, relations between things imply that both things exist. This raises the question of how thought can be a relation to something that doesn't exist. In the case of fictional creations like Narnia, although it doesn't exist, many details can still be true about it because they are described by the author. The problem arises when claims about non-existent objects are made as claims about reality. For example, when an atheist claims that God doesn't exist, they are not just quibbling over interpretations of religious texts, but questioning the existence of a concept believed by others. Ultimately, understanding non-existence relies on explaining truths about non-existent objects in terms of truths about existing entities.
Understanding the Truths and Beliefs about Non-Existence
Truths about non-existent objects can be understood by explaining them in terms of truths about things that do exist. Just like explaining our claims about rainbows by referring to atmospheric conditions, we can explain claims about Narnia or the beliefs about God by referring to people's thoughts, opinions, and cultural context. While non-existent objects like Pegasus or Sherlock Holmes do not exist in reality, there can still be truths about them, such as the fictional characteristics ascribed to them or the beliefs people hold about them. The key is to distinguish between what we are thinking or talking about and what makes those thoughts or statements true.
Implications for the Nature of the Mind and the Past
The discussion of non-existence has implications for the nature of the mind and its relation to reality. The mind is characterized by intentionality, its directedness towards objects and phenomena in the world. Interestingly, the mind can be directed towards both existent and non-existent objects. The question arises whether there is a fundamental difference between thinking about existing things like the planet Mercury and non-existent entities like the planet Vulcan. While some philosophers argue that there is a qualitative distinction between thoughts about existent and non-existent objects, others, like the speaker, argue that the essence of thought remains the same regardless of the object's existence. These differing perspectives have implications for understanding the mind and the nature of representation.
