A Defence of Descriptive Metaphysics

Abstract

Empirical data provide us with a descriptive snapshot of ordinary views about philosophical concepts. At least one part of any ‘folk theory’ is descriptive. This project follows on what Strawson termed ‘descriptive metaphysics.’ If normative inquiries should tell us which view is better than another view (a moderate view) or which view is the best one of any view (a radical view), then proponents must fully understand and appreciate what is constitutive of any view, good and bad. One way in which we may be able to do that is through empirical studies. Thus, a defence of descriptive metaphysics shows that experimental data are integral to a normative truth-theory.