The Non-Existence of the Real World

The Non-Existence of the Real World
Author: Jan Westerhoff
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 376
Release: 2020-04-09
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0198847912

Does the real world, defined as a world of objects that exist independent of human interests, concerns, and cognitive activities, really exist? Jan Westerhoff argues that we have good reason to believe it does not. His discussion considers four main facets of the idea of the real world, ranging from the existence of a separate external and internal world (comprising various mental states congregated around a self), to the existence of an ontological foundation that grounds the existence of all the entities in the world, and the existence of an ultimately true theory that provides a final account of all there is. As Westerhoff discusses the reasons for rejecting the postulation of an external world behind our representations, he asserts that the internal world is not as epistemically transparent as is usually assumed, and that there are good reasons for adopting an anti-foundational account of ontological dependence. Drawing on conclusions from the ancient Indian philosophical system of Madhyamaka Buddhism, Westerhoff defends his stance in a purely Western philosophical framework, and affirms that ontology, and philosophy more generally, need not be conceived as providing an ultimately true theory of the world.

The Non-existence of the Real World

The Non-existence of the Real World
Author: Jan Westerhoff
Publisher:
Total Pages: 384
Release: 2020
Genre: Ontology
ISBN: 9780191882548

The book is concerned with the existence of the real world, that is, with the existence of a world of objects that exist independent of human interests, concerns, and cognitive activities. The main thesis defended is that we have good reason to deny the existence of such a world. The discussion is concerned with four main facets of assuming a real world: (a) the existence of an external world of physical objects in space and time; (b) the existence of an internal world, comprising various mental states congregated around a self; (c) the existence of an ontological foundation that grounds the existence of all the entities in the world; and (d) the existence of an ultimately true theory that provides a final account of all there is.

Non-Being

Non-Being
Author: Sara Bernstein
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2021-03-18
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0192585169

Nonexistence is ubiquitous, yet mysterious. This volume explores some of the most puzzling questions about non-being and nonexistence, and offers answers from diverse philosophical perspectives. The contributors draw on analytic, continental, Buddhist, and Jewish philosophical traditions, and the topics range from metaphysics to ethics, from philosophy of science to philosophy of language, and beyond.

Why Does the World Exist

Why Does the World Exist
Author: Jim Holt
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2012-07-17
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0871404095

In this astonishing and profound work, an irreverent sleuth traces the riddleof existence from the ancient world to modern times.

The Non-existence of God

The Non-existence of God
Author: Nicholas Everitt
Publisher: Psychology Press
Total Pages: 358
Release: 2004
Genre: Atheism
ISBN: 9780415301077

Arguments for the existence of God have taken many different forms over the centuries: in The Non-Existence of God, Everitt considers all the arguments and examines the role that reason and knowledge play in the debate over God's existence.

Logically Fallacious

Logically Fallacious
Author: Bo Bennett
Publisher: eBookIt.com
Total Pages: 429
Release: 2012-02-19
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1456607375

This book is a crash course in effective reasoning, meant to catapult you into a world where you start to see things how they really are, not how you think they are. The focus of this book is on logical fallacies, which loosely defined, are simply errors in reasoning. With the reading of each page, you can make significant improvements in the way you reason and make decisions. Logically Fallacious is one of the most comprehensive collections of logical fallacies with all original examples and easy to understand descriptions, perfect for educators, debaters, or anyone who wants to improve his or her reasoning skills. "Expose an irrational belief, keep a person rational for a day. Expose irrational thinking, keep a person rational for a lifetime." - Bo Bennett This 2021 Edition includes dozens of more logical fallacies with many updated examples.

Logical Properties

Logical Properties
Author: Colin McGinn
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 123
Release: 2000-11-09
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0199241813

The concepts of identity, existence, predication, necessity, and truth are at the centre of philosophy and have rightly received sustained attention. Yet Colin McGinn believes that orthodox views of these topics are misguided in important ways. Philosophers and logicians have often distorted the nature of these concepts in an attempt to define them according to preconceived ideas. Logical Properties aims to respect the ordinary ways we talk and think when we employ theseconcepts, while at the same time showing that they are far more interesting and peculiar than some have supposed. There are real properties corresponding to these concepts - logical properties - that challenge naturalistic metaphysical views. These are not pseudo-properties or mere pieces of syntax. LogicalProperties is written with the minimum of formal apparatus and deals with logico-linguistic issues as well as ontological ones. The focus is on trying to get to the essence of what the concept concerned stands for, and not merely finding some established notation for providing formal paraphrases.