Philosophy 382
Bradford Skow

	
						More Arguments from Lange's Book
						


Definition:

	Fact X is a dangler =df. "X makes no difference (through the laws of nature) 
	to any other facts" (Lange p.47).
	
	

An Argument Against the Gravitational Potential:


1.	If the gravitational potential really exists, then there are facts about the 
	absolute value of the potential at each point in space (at each time).
	
2.	If there are facts about the absolute value of the potential at each point 
	in space (at each time), then these facts are danglers.
	
3.	There are no danglers.

4.	Therefore, the gravitational potential does not really exist.



Definitions:

	Planet M is in opposition =df. M rises when the sun sets.
	
	Planet M is at perigee =df. M is at its brightest.
	
	
(Note: opposition and perigee are both temporary properties: planets are not always in opposition, and not always at perigee.)


Fact: Superior planets are in opposition at exactly the times they are at perigee.