A Critical Introduction to Properties

Dr Sophie Allen (University of Oxford, UK), Sophie R. Sophie

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English

Bloomsbury Academic
25 February 2016

Philosophy; Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology; Philosophy of science

Series: Bloomsbury Critical Introductions to Contemporary Metaphysics

What do blue things have in common? Or electrons? Or planets? Distinct things appear to share properties; but what are properties and what is the best philosophical account of them? A Critical Introduction to Properties introduces different ontological accounts of properties, exploring how their formulation is shaped by the explanatory demands placed upon them.

This accessible introduction begins with a discussion of universals, tropes, sets and resemblance classes, the major objections to them and their responses, providing readers with a firm grasp on the competing ontological accounts of what (if anything) grounds similarity and difference. It then explores issues concerning the formulation and justification of property theories such as: how many properties are there? Should we accept a sparse ontology of properties, or an abundant one? Can we make a distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic properties? Do properties have their causal roles necessarily? What is the relationship between properties and other metaphysical phenomena such as causality, laws and modality? These questions get to the heart of why a coherent theory of properties is so important to metaphysics, and to philosophy more generally.

By concluding with the question of the ontological status of properties, the reader is introduced to some Carnapian and contemporary themes about the content and methodology of metaphysics. For students looking for an accessible resource and a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary metaphysics, A Critical Introduction to Properties is a valuable starting point.

By: Dr Sophie Allen (University of Oxford UK), Sophie R. Sophie
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 345g
ISBN: 9781472575593
ISBN 10: 1472575598
Series: Bloomsbury Critical Introductions to Contemporary Metaphysics
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 25 February 2016
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Introduction PART I: QUESTIONS OF ONTOLOGY 2. Universals 3. Tropes 4. Properties as Sets 5. Resemblance Classes 6. Properties as Ungrounded Entities PART II: DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS OF PROPERTIES:WHICH PROPERTIES ARE THERE, AND WHAT CAN THEY DO? 7. Properties at Work 8. Are Properties Sparse or Abundant? 9. The Ontological Status of Properties Conclusion Glossary References Index

Sophie R. Allen is Supernumerary Fellow in Philosophy at Harris Manchester College, and Philosophy Lecturer at St Peter's College, University of Oxford, UK

Reviews for A Critical Introduction to Properties

Sophie Allen has written a much needed critical introduction to properties. Written in a clear and accessible language, it provides an excellent first avenue into this important philosophical topic. Highly recommended. -- Gonzalo Rodriguez-Pereyra, Professor of Metaphysics, University of Oxford, UK