Contemporary Aristotelian MetaphysicsTuomas E. Tahko Aristotelian (or neo-Aristotelian) metaphysics is currently undergoing something of a renaissance. This volume brings together fourteen essays from leading philosophers who are sympathetic to this conception of metaphysics, which takes its cue from the idea that metaphysics is the first philosophy. The primary input from Aristotle is methodological, but many themes familiar from his metaphysics will be discussed, including ontological categories, the role and interpretation of the existential quantifier, essence, substance, natural kinds, powers, potential, and the development of life. The volume mounts a strong challenge to the type of ontological deflationism which has recently gained a strong foothold in analytic metaphysics. It will be a useful resource for scholars and advanced students who are interested in the foundations and development of philosophy. |
Contents
| 1 | |
| 8 | |
Chapter 2 In defence of Aristotelian metaphysics | 26 |
Chapter 3 Existence and quantification reconsidered | 44 |
Chapter 4 Identity quantification and number | 66 |
Chapter 5 Ontological categories | 83 |
Chapter 6 Are any kinds ontologically fundamental? | 94 |
Chapter 7 Are four categories two too many? | 105 |
Chapter 9 NeoAristotelianism and substance | 140 |
Chapter 10 Developmental potential | 156 |
Chapter 11 The origin of life and the definition of life | 174 |
Chapter 12 Essence necessity and explanation | 187 |
the case of graph theory | 207 |
neither relational nor constituent | 229 |
References | 249 |
| 259 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
4D pattern abstract analysis aqua regia arbitrary portion Aristotelian Aristotelian metaphysics Aristotle Aristotle’s attributes causal characterized claim concept concern concrete objects constituent countable definition depend developmental potential Dipert disposition distinction Dobbin domain of quantification eidictic electron elements entities essence essential example exemplify existence existential explain express fact field of enquiry Figure four-category ontology fundamental graph graph theory Hoffman and Rosenkrantz Hofweber idea individual substance instance instantiated Jonathan Lowe Ladyman and Ross least logical Lowe Lowe's manifestation mathematical modal modes monism natural kind neo-Aristotelian nodes notion object of thought ontological categories particles particular philosophers piece of gunk planets portions of gunk Posterior Analytics predicate priori inquiry properties proposition quantifiers question Quinean reality relation semantic sense sentence singleton set Socrates spacetime Stentor structure subject-matter supposed talk theory of substance things tion tropes true in virtue truthmaker uncountability thesis universals water molecules