Request more info

Pardee Research Projects

Agnosticism To The Abstract: The Case For Philosophizing Without Abstract Objects

Whether it’s numbers, a religious entity, or laws of physics, most people intuitively accept some form of abstract object that exists outside of the physical or material world. They also solve many philosophical problems that seem fatal to a view without abstract objects, making it common for most philosophers to believe in and reason from their existence. But accepting abstract objects also creates serious philosophical and practical problems that cannot be ignored. I seek to demonstrate these problems as well as presenting a constructive case for a view without abstract objects that avoids common criticisms by incorporating findings in physics. Through this, I hope to show the efficacy of philosophizing from a position of agnosticism as to abstract objects, focusing on problems that are important whether or not abstract objects ultimately exist.

Event information

Date

Jan 01

Time

12:00 am - 12:00 am

Location

Audience

Help support a global community working toward a more knowable future

Pardee’s open tools, research, and training resources support students, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners around the world. Your gift helps keep that work accessible and strengthens the public research infrastructure behind it.

Give to Pardee

Stay connected with Pardee

Follow Pardee research, publications, events, and tools that help people reason more clearly about possible futures.

Subscribe

Contact us

Copyright ©2026 University of Denver | All rights reserved | The University of Denver is an equal opportunity institution

Website Accessibility
crossmenuchevron-downcross-circle