Abstract

This paper examines Rudolf Carnap’s "Empiricism, Semantics, and Ontology," focusing on his pragmatic and deflationary approach to metaphysics. Key to Carnap’s view is the distinction between internal and external questions, which supports his linguistic pluralism and contextualism. I argue that Carnap’s ideas offer valuable insights for contemporary debates. Additionally, I assess the reception of Carnap’s work, particularly addressing W.V.O. Quine’s critiques. Despite their influence, I contend that Quine’s objections lack substantial grounding. This analysis reaffirms the relevance of Carnap’s contributions to modern analytic philosophy, against the apparent flowering of the ontological and metaphysical questions in this philosophical current.