This Element presents and critically examines the relationship between metaphysics and the sciences. Section 1 provides a brief introduction. Section 2 looks at the methodological issues that arise when metaphysics and science get into contact, which is a much-debated aspect of the larger dispute concerning philosophical 'naturalism' and 'anti-naturalism'. A taxonomy of possible views is offered. Section 3 looks more specifically at milder forms of naturalism about metaphysics, which attempt in various ways to make it 'continuous' with science while preserving some degree of autonomy for it. Section 4 adds some reflections on what might be regarded as the most pressing open problem when it comes to doing scientifically oriented metaphysics (but also when practising metaphysics or science in isolation): the problem concerning theory choice and the value of non-empirical factors in determining which explanation of certain phenomena should be preferred.
Les mer
Summary; 1. Introduction; 2. Metaphysics and science: a taxonomy; 3. What naturalism for metaphysics?; 4. Metaphysics, science and theory choice; 5. Concluding outline; References.
Comprehensive overview of work on metaphysics and the sciences, presenting a novel perspective and indicating relevant areas of research.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781009507653
Publisert
2024-05-30
Utgiver
Vendor
Cambridge University Press
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
78

Forfatter