Metaphysics
Its Structure and Function

This is an ambitious and substantial study of metaphysics: its nature and inescapability.

Stephan Körner (Author)

9780521338028, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 May 1986

252 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.37 kg

This is an ambitious and substantial study of metaphysics: its nature and inescapability. Professor Körner's method may be described as 'philosophical anthropology', and aims to arrive at a characterisation of the metaphysical beliefs with which we (have to) operate. Professor Körner begins by describing how the categorical framework of a person's metaphysical beliefs may be embedded in more ordinary beliefs and practical attitudes to the world. He illustrates the variety of such frameworks and describes their role, going on to explain how they may be modified by argument and reflection. This is an independent inquiry, but also the culmination of a series of Professor Körner's earlier works. The writing is extremely clear and the material sensitively controlled, revealing great learning and many suggestive insights and comparisons. It presents overall a comprehensive and carefully thought-out account of metaphysics.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. On the organisation of beliefs and attitudes: 1. On the cognitive organisation of experience
2. On the organisation of practical attitudes
3. On the aesthetic attitudes
4. Immanent and transcendent philosophy
Part II. On Immanent and Transcendent Metaphysics: 5. The principles of logic as supreme cognitive principles
6. On mathematical thinking as a possible source of immanent metaphysics
7. On predictive and instrumental thinking about nature as a possible source of immanent metaphysics
8. On thinking about persons and mental phenomena as a possible source of immanent metaphysics
9. On thinking about social phenomena and history as a possible source of immanent metaphysics
10. On delimiting a person's immanent metaphysics
11. Transcendent metaphysics and the application of concepts
12. Transcendent metaphysics and the limits of conceptual thinking
13. On antimetaphysical errors and illusions
Part III. Stability and Change in Metaphysics: 14. On internal strains
15. On external pressures exerted by methodological and other arguments
16. On metaphysical pluralism, intrametaphysical and metaphysical progress
17. Some speculations about transcendent reality
Summary of Theses
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy [HP]