A World of States of Affairs / Edition 1

by D. M. Armstrong

Overview

In this important study D. M. Armstrong offers a comprehensive system of analytical metaphysics that synthesizes but also develops his thinking over the past twenty years. Armstrong's analysis, which acknowledges the "logical atomism" of Russell and Wittgenstein, makes facts (or states of affairs, as the author calls them) the fundamental constituents of the world, examining properties, relations, numbers, classes, possibility and necessity, dispositions, causes and laws. It will appeal to a wide readership in analytical philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521589482
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/06/1997
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Philosophy
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	300
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.54(h) x 0.94(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Some preliminary doctrines; 3. Properties I; 4. Properties II; 5. Powers and dispositions; 6. Relations; 7. Particulars; 8. States of affairs; 9. Independence; 10. Modality; 11. Numbers; 12. Classes; 13. Totality states of affairs; 14. Singular causation; 15. Laws I; 16. Laws II; 17. The unity of the world.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a work of philosophy in the grand tradition." James O. Young, Philosophy in Review

"The book is simply first rate." Dialogue

From the Publisher