Metaphysics of Natural Complexes: Second, Expanded Edition / Edition 2

by Justus Buchler, Kathleen A. Wallace, Armen Marsoobian, Robert S. Corrington

Overview

During 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 Previously unpublished work on the key concept of contour has also been added.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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791401835
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	11/29/1989
Edition description:	Expanded
Pages:	308
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the Original Edition
Acknowledgments to the Second Edition
Introduction to the Second Edition

I. The Rudimentary Considerations
II. Prevalence and Alescence
III. Ordinality and Relation
IV. Possibility and Actuality

Notes to the Original Editions

Appendix I: Selections from The Southern Journal of Philosophy, 14:1, 1976
Reply to Reck: The Structure of the Whole, The Location of the Parts
Reply to Anton: Against "Proper" Ontology
Reply to Greenlee: Philosophy and Exhibitive Judgment

Appendix II: Notes on the Contour of a Natural Complex

Appendix III: On the Concept of "the World"

Appendix IV: Probing the Idea of Nature

Editors' Notes to the Second Edition

Index

Editorial Reviews

An expanded edition of a respected and influential work first published in 1966 on metaphysics in general and ontology in particular. Provides a systematic framework for understanding the broad features of the world and nature, and for locating the understanding of self and society within nature. Includes Buchler's reply to his critics. No bibliography. Paper edition (unseen), $16.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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