Download E-books Meta-metaphysics: On Metaphysical Equivalence, Primitiveness, and Theory Choice (Synthese Library) PDF

Metaphysical theories are attractive. on the finish of this e-book, Jiri Benovsky defends the view that metaphysical theories own aesthetic homes and that those play a very important function by way of idea overview and thought choice.

Before we get there, the philosophical direction the writer proposes to keep on with begins with 3 discussions of metaphysical equivalence. Benovsky argues that there are instances of metaphysical equivalence, instances of partial metaphysical equivalence, in addition to fascinating instances of theories that aren't similar. hence, claims of metaphysical equivalence can basically be raised in the neighborhood. The slogan is: the way to do meta-metaphysics is to do first-level metaphysics.To do that paintings, Benovsky makes a speciality of the character of primitives and at the function they play in all the theories concerned. He emphasizes the maximum significance of primitives within the development of metaphysical theories and within the next review of them.

He then increases the easy yet advanced query: tips on how to make a selection among competing metaphysical theories? If theories are similar, then maybe we don't want to make a decision. yet what approximately all of the different circumstances of non-equivalent "equally sturdy" theories? Benovsky makes use of many of the theories mentioned within the first a part of the e-book as examples and examines a few conventional meta-theoretical standards for concept selection (various varieties of simplicity, compatibility with physics, compatibility with intuitions, explanatory strength, inner consistency,...) in basic terms to teach that they don't let us make a choice.

But if the traditional meta-theoretical standards can't aid us in determining among competing non-equivalent metaphysical theories, how then lets make that selection? this is often the place Benovsky argues that metaphysical theories own aesthetic houses – grounded in non-aesthetic houses – and that those play a very important function in conception selection and evaluate. This view, in addition to all of the meta-metaphysical issues mentioned in the course of the publication, then clearly lead the writer to a kind of anti-realism, and on the finish of the adventure he bargains purposes to imagine best of the type of anti-realist view he proposes to embrace.

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