Fundamentality and Non-Symmetric Relations

Abstract

The first part of this chapter argues that there are no non-symmetric relations at the fundamental level. The second part identifies different ways in which asymmetry and order can be introduced into a world that only contains symmetric but no non-symmetric fundamental relations. The third part develops an account of derivative relations and puts forward identity criteria that establish that derivative non-symmetric relations do not have distinct converses. Instead of a plurality of relations, there are only different ways of picking out the same relation. The final part provides an account of how generative operations can induce order and argues for a reconceptualisation of grounding as an operation rather than as a relation.