Realism and Appearances
An Essay in Ontology

A wide-ranging and illuminating examination of the relation between appearance and reality.

John W. Yolton (Author)

9780521776608, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 May 2000

172 pages
21.6 x 14 x 0.9 cm, 0.21 kg

"An excellent and accurate account." Review of Metaphysics

This book addresses one of the fundamental topics in philosophy: the relation between appearance and reality. John Yolton draws on a rich combination of historical and contemporary material, ranging from the early modern period to present-day debates, to examine this central philosophical preoccupation, which he presents in terms of distinctions between phenomena and causes, causes and meaning, and persons and man. He explores in detail how Locke, Berkeley and Hume talk of appearances and their relation to reality, and offers illuminating connections and comparisons with the work of contemporary philosophers such as Paul Churchland and John McDowell. He concludes by offering his own proposal for a 'realism of appearances', which incorporates elements of both Humean and Kantian thinking. His important study will be of interest to a wide range of readers in the history of philosophy, the history of ideas, and contemporary philosophy of mind, epistemology and metaphysics.

1. Mind, matter and sense qualia
2. Causing and signifying
3. Actions and persons
4. Locke on the knowledge of things themselves
5. The notions of Berkeley's philosophy
6. Hume's appearances and the vocabulary of awareness
7. Hume's ontology
Conclusion: realism of appearances.

Subject Areas: Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ]