The four-category ontology : a metaphysical foundation for natural science / E.J. Lowe.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lowe, E. J. (E. Jonathan), author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ontology.

Metaphysics.

Science--Philosophy.

First philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xii, 222 pages) : illustrations

Other Title:

4-category ontology

Metaphysical foundation for natural science

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Clarendon Press ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2006.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

E. J. Lowe sets out and defends his theory of what there is. His four-category ontology is a metaphysical system that recognizes two fundamental categorial distinctions which cut across each other to generate four fundamental ontological categories. The distinctions are between the particular and the universal and between the substantial and the non-substantial. The four categories thus generated are substantial particulars, non-substantial particulars, substantial universals andnon-substantial universals. Non-substantial universals include properties and relations, conceived as universals. No

Contents:

Metaphysics, ontology, and logic

Ontological categories and categorial schemes

The four-category ontology and its rivals

Some formal ontological relations

Formal ontology and logical syntax

Objects and properties

The concept of an object in formal ontology

Properties, modes, and universals

Ramsey's problem and its solution

Metaphysics and natural science

Dispositions and natural laws

Kinds, essence, and natural necessity

Categorial ontology and scientific essentialism

Truth, truthmaking, and metaphysical realism

Metaphysical realism and the unity of truth

Truthmaking, necessity, and essential dependence.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [211]-216) and index.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

0-19-922981-3

1-281-19067-5

9786611190675

0-19-153117-0

1-4356-2253-7

OCLC:

191826504