Contemporary Aristotelian Metaphysics

This book is an anthology on metaphysics understood in a neo-Aristotelian manner: metaphysics as the first philosophy.

Tuomas E. Tahko (Edited by)

9781107000643, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 December 2011

276 pages, 19 b/w illus. 1 table
23.1 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.54 kg

'… this collection is undoubtedly a remarkable addition to scholarship. … Tahko has succeeded in providing a stimulating presentation of what metaphysics is, according to contemporary Aristotelian philosophers.' Luca Gili, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Aristotelian (or neo-Aristotelian) metaphysics is currently undergoing something of a renaissance. This volume brings together fourteen essays from leading philosophers who are sympathetic to this conception of metaphysics, which takes its cue from the idea that metaphysics is the first philosophy. The primary input from Aristotle is methodological, but many themes familiar from his metaphysics will be discussed, including ontological categories, the role and interpretation of the existential quantifier, essence, substance, natural kinds, powers, potential, and the development of life. The volume mounts a strong challenge to the type of ontological deflationism which has recently gained a strong foothold in analytic metaphysics. It will be a useful resource for scholars and advanced students who are interested in the foundations and development of philosophy.

1. Introduction Tuomas E. Tahko
2. What is metaphysics? Kit Fine
3. In defence of Aristotelian metaphysics Tuomas E. Tahko
4. Existence and quantification reconsidered Tim Crane
5. Identity, quantification, and number Eric T. Olson
6. Ontological categories Gary Rosenkrantz
7. Are any kinds ontologically fundamental? Alexander Bird
8. Are four categories two too many? John Heil
9. Categories: four and more Peter Simons
10. Neo-Aristotelianism and substance Joshua Hoffman
11. Developmental potential Louis M. Guenin
12. The origin of life and the definition of life Storrs McCall
13. Essence, necessity and explanation Kathrin Koslicki
14. No potency without actuality: the case of graph theory David S. Oderberg
15. A neo-Aristotelian substance ontology: neither relational nor constituent E. J. Lowe.

Subject Areas: Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ]