Leiden University Student Repository

Pet, Reynier (2020)

A Critique of Pure Existence

Master thesis | Philosophy (MA) (60 EC)

The central thesis of this paper is that something exists if and only if it is causally connected to me. Using this as a means to find an answer to the question of what it means to exist, the thesis is treated as a principle, which sets up a specific, unorthodox kind of defense. Following a Kantian line of thinking, this principle is first interpreted, then and compared to alternatives, upon which finally the specific, concrete implications of its truth are explained. This leads not only to a clear understanding of existence as defined by a causal connection to us, but also a specific understanding of the nature of principles and their proper philosophical application.

Philosophy

Metaphysics

Existence

Ontology

Eleatic Principle

Principle

Essence

Kant

Author

Pet, Reynier

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

History and Philosophy of the Sciences

Supervisors

Gijsbers, Victor

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en