The Metaphysics of Quantities
What are physical quantities, and in particular, what makes them quantitative? This book articulates and defends an original answer to this important, insufficiently understood question through the novel position of substantival structuralism. This position argues that quantitativeness is an irreducible feature of attributes, and quantitative attributes are best understood as substantival structured spaces. The book first explores what it means for an attribute to be quantitative, and what metaphysical implications a commitment to quantitative attributes has. It then sets the stage to address the metaphysical and ontological consequences of the existence of quantitative attributes.
1135800652
The Metaphysics of Quantities
What are physical quantities, and in particular, what makes them quantitative? This book articulates and defends an original answer to this important, insufficiently understood question through the novel position of substantival structuralism. This position argues that quantitativeness is an irreducible feature of attributes, and quantitative attributes are best understood as substantival structured spaces. The book first explores what it means for an attribute to be quantitative, and what metaphysical implications a commitment to quantitative attributes has. It then sets the stage to address the metaphysical and ontological consequences of the existence of quantitative attributes.
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The Metaphysics of Quantities

The Metaphysics of Quantities

by J. E. Wolff
The Metaphysics of Quantities
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The Metaphysics of Quantities

The Metaphysics of Quantities

by J. E. Wolff

Overview

What are physical quantities, and in particular, what makes them quantitative? This book articulates and defends an original answer to this important, insufficiently understood question through the novel position of substantival structuralism. This position argues that quantitativeness is an irreducible feature of attributes, and quantitative attributes are best understood as substantival structured spaces. The book first explores what it means for an attribute to be quantitative, and what metaphysical implications a commitment to quantitative attributes has. It then sets the stage to address the metaphysical and ontological consequences of the existence of quantitative attributes.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780192573940
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication date: 05/27/2020
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 224
File size: 445 KB

About the Author

Jo E. Wolff is Senior Lecturer in Metaphysics and Philosophy of Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. Wolff earned a PhD in philosophy from Stanford University and held appointments at the University of Hong Kong and King's College London before joining the department at Edinburgh in 2019.

Table of Contents

  • 1: Introduction
  • 2: Quantities as Determinables
  • 3: Quantities as Numerical Attributes
  • 4: Quantitative Attributes or Measurable Concepts
  • 5: The Representational Theory of Measurement
  • 6: Representationalism as a Basis for Metaphysics
  • 7: Ontologies for Quantities
  • 8: Questions of Priority: Relations or Relata?
  • 9: Fundamental Structure for Quantities
  • 10: A Structuralist View of Quantities
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Related Subjects

Philosophy
Major Branches of Philosophical Study
Metaphysics
Philosophy
Major Branches of Philosophical Study
Metaphysics

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