Object and Property (Cambridge Studies in Philosophy) - Softcover

Denkel, Arda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521042097 ISBN 13: 9780521042093

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Professor Arda Denkel argues here that objects are nothing more than bundles of properties. From this point of view he tackles some central questions of ontology: how is an object distinct from others; how does it remain the same while it changes through time? A second contention is that properties are particular entities restricted to the objects they inhabit. The appearance that they exist generally, in a multitude of things, is due to the way we conceptualize them. Other problems dealt with include how objects bear similarities by belonging to the same kinds, and how change in them is caused. Denkel defends a thoroughgoing particularism and offers purely qualitative accounts of individuation, identity, essences and matter. Throughout, the main alternative positions are surveyed, and the relevant historical background is traced.

About this title

Review

'This is an ambitious book. It offers an account of the nature of physical objects, an understanding of individual essences, a novel account of causation, and much more.' Mind

Book Description

Denkel argues that objects are nothing more than bundles of properties, and he tackles some central questions of ontology: how is an object distinct from others; how does it remain the same while it changes through time? A second contention is that properties are particular entities restricted to the objects they inhabit.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521042097
• ISBN 13: 9780521042093
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 276