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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

195252

In what sense do systems exist?

Martin Frické

pp. 131-136

Abstract

Naive realists suppose that the world presents as it is, carved up into items and properties completely independent of human-kind. The problem with this is that many of the apparent properties—like that of being a pendulum, for instance—have a highly theoretical and intellectual content provided by humans. In contrast, naive idealists suppose that we individually or collectively, perhaps with the help of a God or Gods, construct the external world out of our ideas or perceptions. The problem here lies with there being too much of an intellectual contribution from us (or the Gods). We simply cannot wish things into existence, nor give them, by mere desire, the properties that we would like. We are just part of the natural world, not the creators of it.

Publication details

Published in:

Stowell Frank A, Ison Ray, Armson Rosalind, Holloway Jacky, Jackson Sue (1997) Systems for sustainability: people, organizations, and environments. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 131-136

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-0265-8_23

Full citation:

Frické Martin (1997) „In what sense do systems exist?“, In: F.A. Stowell, R. Ison, R. Armson, J. Holloway & S. Jackson (eds.), Systems for sustainability, Dordrecht, Springer, 131–136.