The Ontology of Physical Objects
Four-Dimensional Hunks of Matter

This provocative book attempts to resolve traditional problems of identity over time.

Mark Heller (Author)

9780521385442, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 October 1990

180 pages
22.7 x 14.8 x 1.7 cm, 0.34 kg

Review of the hardback: 'His arguments are based on some important ideas ... that I would like to see thrust on centre stage of current discussions.' James van Cleve, Brown University

This provocative book attempts to resolve traditional problems of identity over time. It seeks to answer such questions as 'How is it that an object can survive change?' and 'How much change can an object undergo without being destroyed'? To answer these questions Professor Heller presents a theory about the nature of physical objects and about the relationship between our language and the physical world. According to his theory, the only actually existing physical entities are what the author calls 'hunks', four-dimensional objects extending across time and space. This is a major contribution to ontological debate and will be essential reading for all philosophers concerned with metaphysics.

Preface
1. Temporal parts of four-dimensional objects
2. Conventional objects
3. The Sorites paradox
4. Appropriateness and paraphrase
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ]