A Coordinating Stipulation Set for Reality and Ontology

Philosophics — Philosophical and Political Ramblings · Jul 18, 2026 · 20m

Language philosopher Bry Willis introduces a rigorous set of stipulated definitions for metaphysical terms like real, reality, and ontology to resolve linguistic confusion. He argues that these words are often contestable and lack a single, fixed meaning, leading to empty verbal disputes rather than substantive philosophical progress. By defining realness as a product of constraint-responsiveness within specific practices, Willis allows for a nuanced classification of everything from physical atoms to fictional characters. The framework is designed as a self-correcting system, featuring a…