Meta-metaphysics

On Metaphysical Equivalence, Primitiveness, and Theory Choice

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics
Cover of the book Meta-metaphysics by Jiri Benovsky, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jiri Benovsky ISBN: 9783319253343
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: March 22, 2016
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Jiri Benovsky
ISBN: 9783319253343
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: March 22, 2016
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Metaphysical theories are beautiful. At the end of this book, Jiri Benovsky defends the view that metaphysical theories possess aesthetic properties and that these play a crucial role when it comes to theory evaluation and theory choice.

Before we get there, the philosophical path the author proposes to follow starts with three discussions of metaphysical equivalence. Benovsky argues that there are cases of metaphysical equivalence, cases of partial metaphysical equivalence, as well as interesting cases of theories that are not equivalent. Thus, claims of metaphysical equivalence can only be raised locally. The slogan is: the best way to do meta-metaphysics is to do first-level metaphysics.To do this work, Benovsky focuses on the nature of primitives and on the role they play in each of the theories involved. He emphasizes the utmost importance of primitives in the construction of metaphysical theories and in the subsequent evaluation of them.

He then raises the simple but complicated question: how to make a choice between competing metaphysical theories? If two theories are equivalent, then perhaps we do not need to make a choice. But what about all the other cases of non-equivalent "equally good" theories? Benovsky uses some of the theories discussed in the first part of the book as examples and examines some traditional meta-theoretical criteria for theory choice (various kinds of simplicity, compatibility with physics, compatibility with intuitions, explanatory power, internal consistency,...) only to show that they do not allow us to make a choice.

But if the standard meta-theoretical criteria cannot help us in deciding between competing non-equivalent metaphysical theories, how then shall we make that choice? This is where Benovsky argues that metaphysical theories possess aesthetic properties – grounded in non-aesthetic properties – and that these play a crucial role in theory choice and evaluation. This view, as well as all the meta-metaphysical considerations discussed throughout the book, then naturally lead the author to a form of anti-realism, and at the end of the journey he offers reasons to think better of the kind of anti-realist view he proposes to embrace.

www.jiribenovsky.org

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Metaphysical theories are beautiful. At the end of this book, Jiri Benovsky defends the view that metaphysical theories possess aesthetic properties and that these play a crucial role when it comes to theory evaluation and theory choice.

Before we get there, the philosophical path the author proposes to follow starts with three discussions of metaphysical equivalence. Benovsky argues that there are cases of metaphysical equivalence, cases of partial metaphysical equivalence, as well as interesting cases of theories that are not equivalent. Thus, claims of metaphysical equivalence can only be raised locally. The slogan is: the best way to do meta-metaphysics is to do first-level metaphysics.To do this work, Benovsky focuses on the nature of primitives and on the role they play in each of the theories involved. He emphasizes the utmost importance of primitives in the construction of metaphysical theories and in the subsequent evaluation of them.

He then raises the simple but complicated question: how to make a choice between competing metaphysical theories? If two theories are equivalent, then perhaps we do not need to make a choice. But what about all the other cases of non-equivalent "equally good" theories? Benovsky uses some of the theories discussed in the first part of the book as examples and examines some traditional meta-theoretical criteria for theory choice (various kinds of simplicity, compatibility with physics, compatibility with intuitions, explanatory power, internal consistency,...) only to show that they do not allow us to make a choice.

But if the standard meta-theoretical criteria cannot help us in deciding between competing non-equivalent metaphysical theories, how then shall we make that choice? This is where Benovsky argues that metaphysical theories possess aesthetic properties – grounded in non-aesthetic properties – and that these play a crucial role in theory choice and evaluation. This view, as well as all the meta-metaphysical considerations discussed throughout the book, then naturally lead the author to a form of anti-realism, and at the end of the journey he offers reasons to think better of the kind of anti-realist view he proposes to embrace.

www.jiribenovsky.org

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Security Planning by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Principles of Coding and Reimbursement for Surgeons by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Elements of Cloud Computing Security by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Learning and Collaboration Technologies by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Competence-based Vocational and Professional Education by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Multimodal Analyses enabling Artificial Agents in Human-Machine Interaction by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Toward Social Internet of Things (SIoT): Enabling Technologies, Architectures and Applications by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Numerical Simulation of Distributed Parameter Processes by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Pioneers in Plastic Surgery by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Derived Embodiment in Abstract Language by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Polypropylene Nanofibers by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Finding Political Identities by Jiri Benovsky
Cover of the book Queen Caroline and Sir William Gell by Jiri Benovsky
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy