Formal Ontology and Conceptual RealismTheories about the ontological structure of the world have generally been described in informal, intuitive terms. This book offers an account of the general features and methodology of formal ontology. The book defends conceptual realism as the best system to adopt based on a logic of natural kinds. By formally reconstructing an intuitive, informal ontological scheme as a formal ontology we can better determine the consistency and adequacy of that scheme. |
Contents
Formal Ontology | 3 |
Time Being and Existence | 25 |
Logical Necessity and Logical Atomism | 59 |
Formal Theories of Predication | 81 |
Formal Theories of Predication Part II | 101 |
Intensional Possible Worlds | 121 |
The Nexus of Predication | 139 |
Medieval Logic and Conceptual Realism | 169 |
On Geach Against General Reference | 195 |
Lesniewskis Ontology | 215 |
Plurals and the Logic of Classes as Many | 235 |
The Logic of Natural Kinds | 273 |
Afterword on TruthMakers | 295 |
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Common terms and phrases
abstract according actual analysis applied argument assertion assumed atomism axiom called causal chapter common name complex concept conceptual realism conceptualist conjunction constants constructive containing course defined definition denote described determined distinction equivalent essentialism example exist existential explain expressions extension fact first-order follows formal ontology formula framework function given identity individual interpretation ISBN language Le´sniewski’s logic logical realism means mental acts modal natural kinds natural properties natural realism necessity nominalized noted notion objects occur operators particular Philosophy plural possible worlds predicable concept predicate principle proper names properties and relations propositions quantifier phrases question reference referential concept relation represent respect result Russell Science semantics sense sentence simple singular Socrates speech stand structure supposition symbolized tense theorem theory thesis things thought true truth conditions types universal valid variables