In philosophy, boundaries are entities that demarcate one thing from another or separate parts of the same thing. Boundaries can manifest in different forms such as lines, circles, or surfaces, existing in physical and temporal realms. The exact location of a boundary can be ambiguous or disputed, and boundaries can be clear or ambiguous, natural or artificial. They exist in objects, events, and abstract entities like concepts or sets. Philosophical debates revolve around the nature of boundaries and their relationship to the world.[1]
Philosophers have explored several issues concerning boundaries. One issue is the differentiation between owned and unowned boundaries. For example, when crossing the boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania, it is unclear which state the boundary belongs to, if not both. Another issue involves distinguishing between natural and artificial boundaries. Natural boundaries are grounded in physical discontinuities or qualitative differences, while artificial boundaries result from human practices and conventions. Sharp boundaries are distinctly demarcated, while fuzzy boundaries are uncertain or gradual. Additionally, there is a debate regarding whether boundaries are lower-dimensional entities or thin layers. Some philosophers argue that boundaries are lower-dimensional and cannot exist independently of the entities they enclose, while others propose that boundaries can have divisible extent.[1]
Realist theories regarding boundaries acknowledge the challenges and puzzles associated with them, considering boundaries as ontological entities. These theories posit that boundaries are ontological dependents, relying on the entities they separate. Within realist theories, different views exist regarding the relationship between boundaries and the entities they bound. Some suggest that boundaries do not belong to either entity, while others propose that boundaries can belong to one or both entities. Although realist theories address boundary-related complexities, they may introduce other philosophical difficulties.[1]
In contrast, non-realist theories reinterpret boundary discourse as a form of abstraction and do not affirm the existence of boundaries as lower-dimensional entities. These theories suggest that boundary talk involves a type of abstraction and can be reinterpreted as discussions about bounded objects. Non-realist perspectives focus on reinterpreting boundary discourse within the context of geometric and topological theorizing. They propose that boundaries are not genuine entities but rather abstractions or conceptual constructs.[1]
Overall, the concept of boundaries in philosophy raises a range of issues and debates. The nature of boundaries, their relationship to the entities they bound, and their ontological status are all topics of philosophical inquiry. Theories vary in their approaches to these questions, and different perspectives offer different solutions to the puzzles and challenges posed by boundaries.[1]
References
editSources
edit- Varzi, Achille (2023). "Boundary". The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
Further reading
edit- Nuñez Erices, Gonzalo (1 July 2019). "Boundaries and Things. A Metaphysical Study of the Brentano-Chisholm Theory". KRITERION – Journal of Philosophy. 33 (2): 15–48. doi:10.1515/krt-2019-330203.
- Weber, Zach; Cotnoir, A. J. (2015). "Inconsistent boundaries". Synthese. 192 (5): 1267–1294. doi:10.1007/s11229-014-0614-z. ISSN 0039-7857.