

33 | James Ladyman on Reality, Metaphysics, and Complexity
Feb 11, 2019
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Reality As Useful Patterns
- James Ladyman defines real things as those that are real patterns indispensable for prediction and explanation.
- He argues tables are real because treating their parts as a whole gives information-efficiency and predictive purchase.
Everyday Objects Still Count
- Ladyman rejects the idea that only the fundamental micro-level is truly real and defends everyday ontology like horses and tables.
- He focuses on the distinctions our ordinary talk marks between plausible and unsupported entities.
Mathematics: Objective Yet Contested
- Mathematical objects and abstractions require a modified account beyond concrete real patterns.
- Ladyman leans to saying mathematics has an objective, mind-independent reality, but admits mathematicians disagree.