Sketch for a Systematic Metaphysics
David Armstrong sets out his metaphysical system in a set of concise and lively chapters each dealing with one aspect of the world. He begins with the assumption that all that exists is the physical world of space-time. On this foundation he constructs a coherent metaphysical scheme that gives plausible answers to many of the great problems of metaphysics. He gives accounts of properties, relations, and particulars; laws of nature; modality; abstract objects such as numbers; and time and mind.
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Contents
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1 Introduction
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1 |
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2 Properties
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6 |
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3 Relations
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23 |
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4 States of Affairs
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26 |
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5 Laws of Nature
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35 |
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6 Reacting to Dispositionalism
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48 |
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7 Particulars
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54 |
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8 Truthmakers
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61 |
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11 Absences
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82 |
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Logic and Mathematics
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88 |
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13 Numbers
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93 |
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14 Classes
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97 |
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15 Time
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101 |
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16 Mind
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105 |
| 116 | |
| 121 | |
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Common terms and phrases
abstract accept actual addition affairs appear argued argument body causal cause Chapter claim clear colour completely connection consider contingent counterfactual course deny determinables difficult discussion dispositions distinction empirical Entailment entities exist explain fact fundamental further future give given going hold human idea identity important infinite instance instantiated intentionality interesting intrinsic introduced involve later laws of nature least less Lewis limit logical manifestation mass mathematics matter meanings mental metaphysics mind necessary necessity negative noted Notice notion objects ontological ordinary particulars perhaps philosophers physical plausible position possible postulate powers present Principle problem proof properties propositions question reality reason reject relations resemblance Russell seems sense simple sort space-time Special Relativity structure suggest Suppose theory things thought tropes true truthmaker truths types universals virtue whole