The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence
Actualism, Meinongianism, and Predication
1st Edition
Published on 9. March 2023
192 pages
978-1-350-34484-6 (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.
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
ISBN-13
978-1-350-34484-6 (9781350344846)
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
Book
09/2024
Bloomsbury Academic
€55.89
Shipment within 15-20 days
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
