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The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence

Actualism, Meinongianism, and Predication

Matthew Davidson (California State University, San Bernardino, USA)

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English
Bloomsbury Academic
04 May 2023
Are there nonexistent objects?

Can we make sense of objects having properties without thinking that there are nonexistent objects?

Is existence a predicate?

Can we make sense of necessarily existing objects depending on God? Tackling these central questions, Matthew Davidson explores the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence.

He presents an extended argument for independence actualism, a previously undefended view that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist.

Among other unique points of discussion, Davidson considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against serious actualism, the semantics of “exists” as a predicate, the merits of different sorts of Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta. The book offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism in that the view may be used to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language and philosophy of religion.
By:  
Imprint:   Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 160mm,  Width: 236mm,  Spine: 16mm
Weight:   440g
ISBN:   9781350344839
ISBN 10:   1350344834
Pages:   192
Publication Date:  
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Matthew Davidson is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at California State University, San Bernardino, USA.

Reviews for The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence: Actualism, Meinongianism, and Predication

Matthew Davidson has written an accessible, clear, engaging introduction to problems concerning existence and necessity, defending a distinctive view, what he labels Independence Actualism, and contrasts the view with the Meinongian view that reality includes entities that do not exist. This monograph is an excellent opinionate tour through the terrain of issues on existence and necessity. * Michael Nelson, University of California at Riverside, USA *


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