Very Bad Wizards Episode 284: Reel Choices
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May 15, 2024 Hosts discuss top 3 existentialist movies, lack of research on metaphysics of puns, and surprisingly positive opinions on recent paper. Delve into ontology of art and puns, challenge traditional views on language ontology, and explore flexibility of words. Light-hearted banter on puns and humor theories. Dive into existential movies shaping identity through choices, analyze Blade Runner themes, compare Double Indemnity vs Locke decisions, and explore genetic dreams in Gattaca.
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Puns Challenge Word Metaphysics
- Puns expose issues in metaphysics of words by showing indeterminacy in word types and tokens.
- This challenges the type-token realism view and supports nominalist perspectives on language.
Nominalism Prevents Ontological Bloat
- Nominalist view treats words as cultural tools without deep essences, avoiding metaphysical inflation.
- Pursuing realist type-token views risks creating excessive ontological entities for each pun or word use.
Existentialism: Choice Defines Identity
- Existentialism emphasizes that human beings have no inherent essence and must define their identity through choices.
- Some choices not only shape actions but also determine who the person fundamentally is.