Objects and Persons
Author(s): Trenton Merricks (Author)
- Publisher: Clarendon Press
- Publication Date: December 11, 2003
- Language: English
- Print length: 216 pages
- ISBN-10: 019926631X
- ISBN-13: 9780199266319
Book Description
With ontology motivated largely by causal considerations, this lucid and provocative work focuses on the idea that physical objects are causally non-redundant. Merricks "eliminates" inanimate composite macrophysical objects on the grounds that they would--if they existed--be at best completely causally redundant. He defends human existence by arguing, from certain facts about mental causation, that we cause things that are not determined by our proper parts. He also provides insight into a variety of philosophical puzzles, while addressing many significant issues like free will, the "reduction" of a composite object to its parts, and the ways in which identity over time can "for practical purposes" be a matter of convention. Anyone working in metaphysics will enjoy this book immensely.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Merricks advances an interesting and forceful argument for this asymmetry [between real living things and alleged non living things], one with which anyone working on material constitution will have to grapple." -- The Review of Metaphysics
"With style and wit, Merricks stakes out an original position and defends it with an abundance of interesting, carefully formulated arguments. His book is sure to be one of the standard points of reference for the growing number of philosophers interested in these issues."--Michael B. Burke, Philosophical Review
"Objects and Persons presents a metaphysical vision of great power and originality. It is marvellously subversive, threatening comfortable assumptions at every turn. Yet it is all backed by sober argument. These matters cry out for further exploration. Above all, the book shows that the ontology of material objects has surprisingly important and far-reaching consequences. There can no longer be any doubt about its place as a central topic in philosophy."--Eric Olson, Philosophical Books
Review
"Merricks advances an interesting and forceful argument for this asymmetry [between real living things and alleged non living things], one with which anyone working on material constitution will have to grapple." -- The Review of Metaphysics
"With style and wit, Merricks stakes out an original position and defends it with an abundance of interesting, carefully formulated arguments. His book is sure to be one of the standard points of reference for the growing number of philosophers interested in these issues."--Michael B. Burke, Philosophical Review
"Objects and Persons presents a metaphysical vision of great power and originality. It is marvellously subversive, threatening comfortable assumptions at every turn. Yet it is all backed by sober argument. These matters cry out for further exploration. Above all, the book shows that the ontology of material objects has surprisingly important and far-reaching consequences. There can no longer be any doubt about its place as a central topic in philosophy."--Eric Olson, Philosophical Books
From the Publisher
Trenton Merricks is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University.
About the Author
Trenton Merricks is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University.
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