Thin Objects

An Abstractionist Account

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Logic, Science & Nature, Mathematics
Cover of the book Thin Objects by Øystein Linnebo, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Øystein Linnebo ISBN: 9780192558961
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: May 24, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Øystein Linnebo
ISBN: 9780192558961
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: May 24, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Are there objects that are <"thin>" in the sense that not very much is required for their existence? Frege famously thought so. He claimed that the equinumerosity of the knives and the forks suffices for there to be objects such as the number of knives and the number of forks, and for these objects to be identical. The idea of thin objects holds great philosophical promise but has proved hard to explicate. Øystein Linnebo aims to do so by drawing on some Fregean ideas. First, to be an object is to be a possible referent of a singular term. Second, singular reference can be achieved by providing a criterion of identity for the would-be referent. The second idea enables a form of easy reference and thus, via the first idea, also a form of easy being. Paradox is avoided by imposing a predicativity restriction on the criteria of identity. But the abstraction based on a criterion of identity may result in an expanded domain. By iterating such expansions, a powerful account of dynamic abstraction is developed. The result is a distinctive approach to ontology. Abstract objects such as numbers and sets are demystified and allowed to exist alongside more familiar physical objects. And Linnebo also offers a novel approach to set theory which takes seriously the idea that sets are <"formed>" successively.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Are there objects that are <"thin>" in the sense that not very much is required for their existence? Frege famously thought so. He claimed that the equinumerosity of the knives and the forks suffices for there to be objects such as the number of knives and the number of forks, and for these objects to be identical. The idea of thin objects holds great philosophical promise but has proved hard to explicate. Øystein Linnebo aims to do so by drawing on some Fregean ideas. First, to be an object is to be a possible referent of a singular term. Second, singular reference can be achieved by providing a criterion of identity for the would-be referent. The second idea enables a form of easy reference and thus, via the first idea, also a form of easy being. Paradox is avoided by imposing a predicativity restriction on the criteria of identity. But the abstraction based on a criterion of identity may result in an expanded domain. By iterating such expansions, a powerful account of dynamic abstraction is developed. The result is a distinctive approach to ontology. Abstract objects such as numbers and sets are demystified and allowed to exist alongside more familiar physical objects. And Linnebo also offers a novel approach to set theory which takes seriously the idea that sets are <"formed>" successively.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Access to Language and Cognitive Development by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book Cash and Dash by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book Embodied Selves and Divided Minds by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of the Levant by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book The Law & Politics of Brexit by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book The United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book Dialogues and Essays by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book A Century of Fiscal Squeeze Politics by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book Basic Sciences for Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Core Materials for MRCOG Part 1 by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book The Law of Non-International Armed Conflict by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book A. J. Appasamy and his Reading of Rāmānuja by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book The Handbook of Rational and Social Choice by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book How Lives Change by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book Elegance in Science by Øystein Linnebo
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Global Policy and Transnational Administration by Øystein Linnebo
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy