Putting Properties First considers the metaphysics of natural science. It develops and defends a contemporary metaphysical theory of natural modality called 'Modal Platonism', which puts properties first in the metaphysical hierarchy. According to this theory, natural properties-such as mass and charge-are fundamental entities which ground the laws of nature and the behavioural dispositions of physical things. This theory differs from other 'properties-first' approaches in two main ways. First, it views properties as Platonic universals, which exist even if they are not instantiated by anything. Second, the theory rejects the popular idea that properties are identical with, or essentially dependent upon, dispositions. Instead, Modal Platonism views properties as qualities which necessarily ground dispositions and other modal phenomena. This theory solves a range of philosophical puzzles regarding dispositions and laws. Given that laws of nature are a necessary precondition for scientific enquiry, Modal Platonism promises to provide a plausible metaphysical framework for all natural science.
Les mer
Matthew Tugby develops and defends a new metaphysical theory of natural modality called 'Modal Platonism', which puts properties first in the metaphysical hierarchy. This theory solves a range of philosophical puzzles regarding dispositions and laws and provides a plausible metaphysical framework for natural science.
Les mer
PART I. THE CORE THEORY: MODAL PLATONISM 1: The Scope and Aims of This Book: Properties, Laws, and Dispositions 2: The Platonic Theory of Dispositional Directedness 3: Against Dispositional Essentialism: A Grounding Theory of Natural Modality 4: Solving the Entailment and Governance Problems 5: Dissolving the Problem of Latent Dispositions 6: Objections and Replies PART II. PUTTING PLATONISM TO WORK 7: Instantiation and Repeatability: A Platonic Approach 8: Probabilistic Laws 9: Determinable Laws 10: Extending Modal Platonism 11: Summary Appendix I: Logical Proofs of Chapter Four
Les mer
Matthew Tugby is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Durham University. Before moving to Durham in 2013, he was Teaching Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. Matthew's research focuses on issues at the intersection of contemporary metaphysics and the philosophy of science, including the topics of properties, dispositions, laws, causation, and modality. He was co-editor of Metaphysics and Science (OUP, 2013) and has published over 20 articles in academic journals such as Analysis, Mind, Philosophical Studies, and Synthese. In 2015 Matthew was the winner of the Mind Association Research Fellowship.
Les mer
Develops a contemporary metaphysical framework for natural science Presents a new Platonic theory of properties, dispositions, and natural laws Argues against the dominant dispositionalist approaches to properties and laws Points the way towards a general Platonic account of modality
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780198855101
Publisert
2022
Utgiver
Oxford University Press
Vekt
570 gr
Høyde
240 mm
Bredde
160 mm
Dybde
20 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
288

Forfatter

Biografisk notat

Matthew Tugby is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Durham University. Before moving to Durham in 2013, he was Teaching Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. Matthew's research focuses on issues at the intersection of contemporary metaphysics and the philosophy of science, including the topics of properties, dispositions, laws, causation, and modality. He was co-editor of Metaphysics and Science (OUP, 2013) and has published over 20 articles in academic journals such as Analysis, Mind, Philosophical Studies, and Synthese. In 2015 Matthew was the winner of the Mind Association Research Fellowship.