The Ontology of Physical Objects: Four-Dimensional Hunks of Matter

by Mark Heller

Overview

This provocative new book attempts to resolve traditional problems of identity over time. It seeks to answer such questions as "How is it that an object can survive change?" and "How much change can an object undergo without being destroyed?" To answer these questions Professor Heller presents a completely new theory about the nature of physical objects and about the relationship between our language and the physical world. According to his theory, the only actually existing physical entities are what the author calls "hunks," four dimensional objects extending across time and space. This is a major new contribution to ontological debate and will be essential reading for all philosophers concerned with metaphysics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521385442
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/26/1990
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Philosophy
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.94(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Temporal parts of four-dimensional objects; 2. Conventional objects; 3. The Sorites paradox; 4. Appropriateness and paraphrase; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"His arguments are based on some important ideas...that I would like to see thrust on center stage of current discussions." James van Cleve, Brown University

From the Publisher