Essential difference : toward a metaphysics of emergence / James Blachowicz.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Blachowicz, James, 1943-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Metaphysics.

Philosophy--History.

Philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (330 p.)

Place of Publication:

Albany, N.Y. : SUNY Press, c2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Finalist for the 2015 John N. Findlay Award in Metaphysics presented by the Metaphysical Society of AmericaIs metaphysics possible? This book argues that the greatest threat to its viability derives from a self-destructive formalism. If what is essential to the nature of physical entities are the properties they have in common (as formalism holds), the inevitable result will be a reductionist collapse—leaving only "being" or physical "matter" or some other underlying ground. In Essential Difference, James Blachowicz first constructs a one-to-one historical parallel between the modern crisis surrounding formalism (Hume/Kant/Hegel) and the ancient version (Parmenides/Plato/Aristotle), focusing on the principles of differentiation and individuation that underlie Aristotle's and Hegel's antireductionist programs. He then proposes a contemporary metaphysical theory of emergence in the context of recent philosophy of science. This theory, founded on the principle of the nonderivability of actual states from possible states, holds that the differences among physical, biological, and mental phenomena are essential to any metaphysics. Essential Difference is the only focused treatment of this problem and is itself essential for any understanding of the nature of metaphysics.

Contents:

Front Matter

Contents

Introduction

What Is Metaphysics?

The Ancient Crisis

Parmenides’ Challenge

Plato’s Response

Aristotle’s Response

The Modern Crisis

Hume’s Challenge

Kant’s Response

Hegel’s Response

Toward a Metaphysics of Emergence

Physical Emergence

Life and Mind

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781438443331

1438443331

OCLC:

817565650