Four-Dimensionalism
An Ontology of Persistence and Time
Published on 22. May 2003
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-19-926352-3 (ISBN)
Description
Four-Dimensionalism defends the thesis that the material world is composed of temporal as well as spatial parts. This defense includes a novel account of persistence over time, new arguments in favour of the four-dimensional ontology, and responses to the challenges four-dimensionalism faces.
Theodore Sider pays particular attention to the philosophy of time, including a strong series of arguments against presentism, the thesis that only the present is real. Arguments offered in favour of four-dimensionalism include novel arguments based on time travel, the debate beween spacetime substantivalists and relationalists, and vagueness. Also included is a comprehensive discussion of the paradoxes of coinciding material objects, and a novel resolution of those paradoxes based on temporal counterpart theory. In conclusion Sider replies to prominent objections to four-dimensionalism, including discussion of the problem of the rotating homogenous disk.
Four Dimensionalism is an original and highly readable study of the metaphysics of time and identity.
Theodore Sider pays particular attention to the philosophy of time, including a strong series of arguments against presentism, the thesis that only the present is real. Arguments offered in favour of four-dimensionalism include novel arguments based on time travel, the debate beween spacetime substantivalists and relationalists, and vagueness. Also included is a comprehensive discussion of the paradoxes of coinciding material objects, and a novel resolution of those paradoxes based on temporal counterpart theory. In conclusion Sider replies to prominent objections to four-dimensionalism, including discussion of the problem of the rotating homogenous disk.
Four Dimensionalism is an original and highly readable study of the metaphysics of time and identity.
Reviews / Votes
For many years to come, this is sure to be the locus classicus with respect to which all those engaged with the literature on persistence must position themselves. * Kathrin Koslicki, Philosophical Review * This is simply a superb book in metaphysics - handsomely written, cleverly argued, and exceedingly clear. * Hud Hudson, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews * Sider does not deny that this four-dimensionalist conception of persisting things is counterintuitive. His claim is that, all things considered, it yields a more coherent ontology than any of its competitors. His defence of this claim is impressive: bold, clear, wide-ranging and fair-minded; it is the best of its kind on offer. * Barry Dainton, Times Literary Supplement *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
13 figures
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
364 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-926352-3 (9780199263523)
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
Book
10/2001
Oxford University Press
€215.30
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
(Department of Philosophy, Syracuse University, New York, USA)
Content
Introduction ; 1. The Four-Dimensional Picture ; 2. Against Presentism ; 3. Three- and Four-Dimensionalism Stated ; 4. In Favor of Four-Dimensionalism Part 1 ; 5. In Favor of Four-Dimensionalism Part 2: The Best Unified Theory of the Paradoxes of Coincidence ; 6. Arguments against Four-Dimensionalism ; Bibliography, Index