Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Department Colloquium: Ted Sider

Ted Sider smiling.
August 30, 2024
3:45 pm - 5:45 pm
353 University Hall

"Plenitude and Derivative Ontology"

Abstract:  Principles of plenitude for material objects (such as: "for every function from possible worlds to parts, there exists a corresponding material object") are attractive because they avoid arbitrariness and worldly vagueness.  Since arbitrariness and worldly vagueness also threaten in the social realm, principles of plenitude are attractive there too.  But these principles should not be based on the part-whole relation; they must take a different form.  Investigation of this form leads to questions about the nature of derivative ontology in general, and a re-evaluation of the status quo on material objects.

Ted Sider is a Distinguished Professor from Rutgers University.