Abstract: In this talk I aim to get clear on the debate between actualism and potentialism in the philosophy of set theory. I’ll start by clarifying the positions. It's natural to see actualism as something like the negation of potentialism. I’ll argue, however, that this is wrong. Instead, we should view it as the claim that our best theory of sets is a theory of the actual sets. I’ll then go on to outline what I take to be the main considerations for and against each view. Although I won’t come down in favour of either, I hope to help clarify what’s at issue between them.
The talk will be held on Zoom. Contact Laura.Crosilla @ ifikk.uio.no for a Zoom-invite.