
The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence
Actualism, Meinongianism, and Predication
Matthew Davidson(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
Published on 9. March 2023
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-1-350-34483-9 (ISBN)
Description
Are there nonexistent objects? Can we make sense of objects having properties without thinking that there are nonexistent objects? Is existence a predicate? Can we make sense of necessarily existing objects depending on God? Tackling these central questions, Matthew Davidson explores the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence.
He presents an extended argument for independence actualism, a previously undefended view that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist. Among other unique points of discussion, Davidson considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against serious actualism, the semantics of "exists" as a predicate, the merits of different sorts of Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta. The book offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism in that the view may be used to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language and philosophy of religion.
He presents an extended argument for independence actualism, a previously undefended view that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist. Among other unique points of discussion, Davidson considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against serious actualism, the semantics of "exists" as a predicate, the merits of different sorts of Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta. The book offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism in that the view may be used to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language and philosophy of religion.
Reviews / Votes
Matthew Davidson has written an accessible, clear, engaging introduction to problems concerning existence and necessity, defending a distinctive view, what he labels Independence Actualism, and contrasts the view with the Meinongian view that reality includes entities that do not exist. This monograph is an excellent opinionated tour through the terrain of issues on existence and necessity. * Michael Nelson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of California at Riverside, USA *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 160 mm
Width: 236 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
440 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-34483-9 (9781350344839)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Matthew Davidson
The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence
Actualism, Meinongianism, and Predication
E-Book
03/2023
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€32.99
Available for download
Person
Matthew Davidson is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at California State University, San Bernardino, USA.
Content
Preface
1. Independence Actualism Explicated
2. The Independence Thesis
3. The Utility of Independence Actualism
4. Actualism or Meinongianism?
5. "Exists" as a Predicate
6. Existence and Essence
7. Robust and Deflationary Meinongianism
8. God and Necessary Existence
Notes
Bibliography
Index
1. Independence Actualism Explicated
2. The Independence Thesis
3. The Utility of Independence Actualism
4. Actualism or Meinongianism?
5. "Exists" as a Predicate
6. Existence and Essence
7. Robust and Deflationary Meinongianism
8. God and Necessary Existence
Notes
Bibliography
Index