The Real Grice

Speranza

We are discussing metaphysics and real metaphysics.

Jones confides: "I did have a qualm when I wrote "really metaphysics"! I think the distinction is a part of chosing languages and methods, something which Carnap was engrossed in, which he held should be done on pragmatic grounds. To much to say to fit here I think."

Well, I would think that, even if not strictly Anglo-Saxon (and what's the good of an item of vocabulary, qua part of ordinary language, if it does not have an old Anglo-Saxon pedigree), 'real' is a keyword in metaphysics.

I always enjoyed Austin's treatment of the word 'real' as the word that 'wears the trousers', a sexism that Grice (in his book, "Conception of Value") finds 'typically artless' while characteristically Oxonian, if I recall correctly.

I'll try to retrace Austin's commentary on 'real' -- as per 'real duck'.