Quine, when he discusses ontology, talks a lot about words. He does this because
Quine, when he discusses ontology, talks a lot about words. He does this because
Ontological differences can involve basic differences in conceptual schemes. Yet both parties, despite these differences, can generally discuss topics like politics, weather, and language. In so far as their disputes over ontology can be translated into a dispute about words and what to do with them, the parties will be able to discuss and understand their differences.
Quine, when he discusses ontology, talks a lot about words. He does this because
Quine says that ontology is about what exists -- which isn't "just about words." However, he is interested in what words (or beliefs) commit us to what views about ontology.