Theory of the Object

Reviews / Votes

Nail's view of the object can be characterized as "change is the only constant" (to quote those who have gone before). Nail (Univ. of Denver) sets out to convince readers that reality is not a stable essentialist subject/object dichotomy but rather a materialist process of kinetic historical progression. (...) That said, Nail's writing style is generally approachable, so even readers not drawn to academic philosophy of science might find this an interesting read. -- J. Gough * CHOICE * This book can act as a bridge that will create understanding between a wide variety of scientific practice, as all of us can connect to the material processes Nail describes. Something that, admittedly, most of the research I engage and compare his writing to, will not. -- Milan Kroulik * MATTER * This book can act as a bridge that will create understanding between a wide variety of scientific practice, as all of us can connect to the material processes Nail describes. Something that, admittedly, most of the research I engage and compare his writing to, will not. -- Milan Kroulik * MATTER * Nail's inter-disciplinary command skilfully navigates debates about the nature of reality across the humanities, mathematics and the sciences. We learn that objects are indeterminate, and objectivity, observation and even anthropocentrism are not what they seem. By destabilizing foundations Nail's kinesis and process history provokes fascinating quandaries and speculative possibilities. -- Vicki Kirby, University of New South Wales