The Metaphysics Within Physics

Tim Maudlin (Department of Philosophy, Rutgers University, New Jersey)

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English

Oxford University Press
19 April 2007

Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology; Philosophy of science; Physics

What fundamental account of the world is implicit in physical theory? Physics straightforwardly postulates quarks and electrons, but what

of the more intangible elements, such as laws of nature, universals, causation and the direction of time? Do they have a place in the physical structure of the world?

Tim Maudlin argues that the ontology derived from physics takes a form quite different from those most commonly defended by philosophers. Physics postulates irreducible fundamental laws, eschews universals, does not require a fundamental notion of causation, and makes room for the passage of time. In a series of linked essays The Metaphysics Within Physics

outlines an approach to metaphysics opposed to the Humean reductionism

that motivates much analytical metaphysics.

By: Tim Maudlin (Department of Philosophy Rutgers University New Jersey)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 242mm, Width: 163mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 465g
ISBN: 9780199218219
ISBN 10: 0199218218
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 19 April 2007
Audience: College/higher education , A / AS level , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction 1: A Modest Proposal Concerning Laws, Counterfacutals, and Explanations 2: Why Be Humean 3: Suggestions Form Physics For Deep Metaphysics 4: On the Passing of Time 5: Causation, Counterfactuals, and the Third Factor 6: The Whole Ball of Wax Epilogue: A Remark on the Method of Metaphysics

Reviews for The Metaphysics Within Physics

This is an elegantly written and enormously stimulating book. It is full of original, provocative, philosophical argumentation. Maudlin shows by example what it is to do the best kind of naturalized metaphysics: one based on thorough acquaintance with real science, but unwilling to accept a superficial analysis of how it bears on deep philosophical problems. Every metaphysician should read it and emulate Maudlin's method, even when disagreeing with his conclusions. Richard Healey, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews