Nelson Goodman
NOTES ON THE WELL·MADE WORLD
Since it seems obvious that words are usually different
from what they refer to, that we cannot in general make anything by
merely describing or picturing it, and that not all descriptions or pic–
tures are right, how can I talk of worldmaking, find facts fluid ,
acknowledge conflicting truths, and suggest that the distinction be–
tween world and version is elusive? Here I want to review and clarify
some themes of
Ways of Worldmaking,
discuss some common objec–
tions to it, and reaffirm some of its paradoxes.
Monism, Pluralism, Nihilism
Some truths conflict. The earth stands still, revolves about the
sun, and runs many another course all at the same time. Yet nothing
moves while at rest. We flinch at recognition of conflicting truths;
for since all statements follow from a contradiction, acceptance of a
statement and its negate erases the difference between truth and
falsity .
Usually we seek refuge in simple-minded relativization : ac–
cording to a geocentric system the earth stands still, while according
to a heliocentric system it moves . But there is no solid comfort here .
Merely that a given version says something does not make what it
says true ; after all, some versions say the earth is flat or that it rests
on the back of a tortoise . That the earth is at rest according to one
system and moves according to another says nothing about how the
earth behaves but only something about what these versions say .
What must be added is that these versions are true . But then the
contradiction reappears, and our escape is blocked.
Should we rather consider "The earth is at rest" and "The earth
moves" as incomplete fragments of statements, true or false only
Editor's Note: Copyright
IC
1984 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.
