Metaphysics of Natural Complexes: Second, Expanded EditionDuring the past two decades Metaphysics of Natural Complexes has exerted a strong a growing influence on the continuing development of contemporary philosophy. This new and expanded edition acknowledges this influence and brings together much material. Included are the previously published articles "On the Concept of 'the World,'" and "Probing the Idea of Nature," which Buchler wrote subsequent to Metaphysics of Natural Complexes as extensions and completions of the system. Previously unpublished work on the key concept of contour has also been added. In addition there are excerpts from Buchler's replies to his critics, a set of editors' notes to facilitate cross-referencing, and an updated index. This work presents a bold and forceful metaphysics and general ontology. It provides a systematic framework for understanding the broadest features of the world and nature, and for locating our understanding of human nature, selfhood, and society as complexes in and of nature. Buchler's detailed analysis of identity, ordinality, nature, world, and validation advance our understanding of the basic categories to be used in defining and exploring whatever is. Unlike other contemporary philosophers that confine themselves to narrowly defined problems in hermeneutics or theory of knowledge, Buchler is unrelenting in his drive toward a more encompassing perspective, simultaneously combining interpretive precision with sheer breadth of vision. |
Contents
The Rudimentary Considerations | 1 |
Prevalence and Alescence | 52 |
Ordinality and Relation | 93 |
Possibility and Actuality | 129 |
1 1976 | 191 |
Against Proper Ontology | 200 |
Philosophy | 207 |
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Common terms and phrases
A. N. Whitehead actualities and possibilities arise aspect assertive atomic belong Buchler called common complex prevails comprehensive concept of natural constitute continuity contour contrast defined degree determinate discriminated distinction distinguished entail entities exhibitive judgment formulation function given complex gross integrity idea identified implies inclusive order indefinite number individual instance Justus Buchler kind law of non-contradiction Leibniz lence less limits logical matter means merely Metaphysics of Natural natura naturata natural complex natural definition notion ontological priority order of complexes ordinal location pervasive philosophic phrase plexes plurality possibilities and actualities potentialities prefinition prevalence and alescence principle of ontological proceptive Process and Reality query question reality Reck recurrent regarded relatedness respect scope sense sibility speak specific strongly relevant structure sub-complex subaltern complexes suggests temporal things tion unique universe W. V. Quine weakly relevant Whitehead World
References to this book
Process Metaphysics: An Introduction to Process Philosophy Nicholas Rescher No preview available - 1996 |