Further Facts and Simulation
Human Ontology July 1, 2026 Ryo Yamana, Takumu Fujiyama
The notion of 'further facts'—facts that are not fixed by the physical structure of the universe—underpins many debates in metaphysics, such as whether mental facts depend on physical ones. Despite its importance, the concept has received little systematic analysis. This paper examines Vincent Conitzer's 2018 work, which uses computer simulation to investigate further facts and shifts the focus from their existence to the validity of reasoning about them. The paper outlines Conitzer's argument, considers physicalist responses regarding mental facts, and extends the analysis to other domains, showing how simulation as a philosophical model reshapes debates beyond philosophy of mind.