Parts: A Study in Ontology

by Peter Simons

Overview

Although the relationship of part to whole is one of the most fundamental there is, this is the first full-length study of this key concept. Showing that mereology, or the formal theory of part and whole, is essential to ontology, Simons surveys and critiques previous theories—especially the standard extensional view—and proposes a new account that encompasses both temporal and modal considerations. Simons's revised theory not only allows him to offer fresh solutions to long-standing problems, but also has far-reaching consequences for our understanding of a host of classical philosophical concepts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199241460
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/19/2000
Pages:	404
Product dimensions:	8.66(w) x 5.40(h) x 0.86(d)

About the Author

University of Leeds

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part 1 Existensional Part-Whole Theory; 1. Concepts and Principles of Extensional Mereology; 2. Survey of Extensional Mereology; 3. Problems; 4. Occurrents, Classes, and Masses; Part II Mereology of Continuants; 5. Temporary Parts and Intermittent Existence; 6. Superposition, Composition, and Matter; Part III Essence, Dependence, and Integrity; 7. Essential Parts; 8. Ontological Dependence; 9. Integral Wholes; Concluding Remarks; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"A clear and careful work both in metaphysics and in the history and logic of mereology....Simons's care and precision and his sensitivity to fine distinctions are what make the book a success."—The Philosophical Review

From the Publisher