The Four-Category Ontology

A Metaphysical Foundation for Natural Science

E. J. Lowe (Durham University)

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English

Oxford University Press
01 February 2006

Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology; Philosophy of science

E. J. Lowe sets out and defends his theory of what there is. His four-category ontology is a metaphysical system that recognizes two fundamental categorial distinctions which cut across each other to generate four fundamental ontological categories. The distinctions are between the particular and the universal and between the substantial and the non-substantial. The four categories thus generated are substantial particulars, non-substantial particulars, substantial universals and non-substantial universals. Non-substantial universals include properties and relations, conceived as universals. Non-substantial particulars include property-instances and relation-instances, otherwise known as non-relational and relational tropes or modes. Substantial particulars include propertied individuals, the paradigm examples of which are persisting, concrete objects. Substantial universals are otherwise known as substantial kinds and include as paradigm examples natural kinds of persisting objects. This ontology has a lengthy pedigree, many commentators attributing it to Aristotle on the basis of certain passages in his apparently early work, the Categories. At various times during the history of Western philosophy, it has been revived or rediscovered, but it has never found universal favour, perhaps on account of its apparent lack of parsimony as well as its commitment to universals. In pursuit of ontological economy, metaphysicians have generally preferred to recognize fewer than four fundamental ontological categories. However, Occam's razor stipulates only that we should not multiply entities beyond necessity; Lowe argues that the four-category ontology has an explanatory power unrivalled by more parsimonious systems, and that this counts decisively in its favour. He shows that it provides a powerful explanatory framework for a unified account of causation, dispositions, natural laws, natural necessity and many other related matters, such as the semantics of counterfactual conditionals and the character of the truthmaking relation. As such, it constitutes a thoroughgoing metaphysical foundation for natural science.

By: E. J. Lowe (Durham University)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 242mm, Width: 163mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9780199254392
ISBN 10: 0199254397
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 01 February 2006
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Four-Category Ontology: A Metaphysical Foundation for Natural Science

Lowe's is the best and most comprehensive attempt I know of to present a system of ontological categories in terms acceptable to present day analytical philosophers. Peter Van Inwagen, Times Literary Supplement The book is ambitious in its goals and clear in its presentation...those who follow Lowe's work will appreciate having a systemic statement of his current philosophical position. New readers will also find many topics of interest. Ryan Wasserman, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews