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Article

Phenomenal Construction

Author
  • Robert H Smithson (University of North Carolina Wilmington)

Abstract

This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.

This paper uses deflationary metaontology to defend the existence of phenomenal constructions: concrete, sensible entities whose reality consists in a certain sort of experiential coherence. There are many kinds of phenomenal construction. Some are public (i.e., presented to distinct subjects); others are private. Some exist only when perceived; others exist unperceived. Some have objective character; others do not. Phenomenal constructions are not some esoteric philosopher's invention; I argue that, in fact, ordinary objects are themselves phenomenally constructed. This vindicates the naive realist's claim that perceptual experience involves direct acquaintance with ordinary objects. 

Keywords: Phenomenal construction, Deflationary metaontology, Ordinary objects