As many philosophers and scientists have noticed, the way in which mathematics is used in the natural sciences for describing and predicting natural phenomena is remarkably effective. Furthermore,...Show moreAs many philosophers and scientists have noticed, the way in which mathematics is used in the natural sciences for describing and predicting natural phenomena is remarkably effective. Furthermore, this effectiveness requires an explanation. Assuming metaphysical naturalism it seems especially difficult to provide such an explanation. In this thesis the tenability of naturalism is investigated in light of the effectiveness of mathematics in the natural sciences.Show less
This scientific work is an attempt to re-evaluate Western notions of possession by embedding the debate into an ontological framework which takes into account the existence of multiple ontological...Show moreThis scientific work is an attempt to re-evaluate Western notions of possession by embedding the debate into an ontological framework which takes into account the existence of multiple ontological worlds. By analysing Western linguistic expressions of possession and contrasting them with possessive relationships from native Amazonian languages, presented data will not only promote the acknowledgement of foreign modes of thinking and challenge what is often seen as ‘natural’ or ‘inherent’, but also substantiate the concrete effect of ontological differences on linguistic possessive constructions. To this effect, this thesis will offer readers a foundational definition of conceptual possession which should enable them to get a clearer view of possessive relationships and their interplay between people, animals and other non-human entities.Show less
