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Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space H. Scott Hestevold

Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space By H. Scott Hestevold

Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space by H. Scott Hestevold


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Summary

Arguing that the universe is absolutely directioned and that there exist spatial (directional) relations that Leibniz overlooked, H. Scott Hestevold formulates a new relationalist theory of space, exploring its implications for the Special Composition Question, reductivism regarding boundaries and holes, and the nature of spacetime.

Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space Summary

Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere by H. Scott Hestevold

In Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere, H. Scott Hestevold formulates a new relationalist theory of space by appealing to the view that the universe is directioned in the sense that there exist directional relations-a class of spatial relations that Leibniz overlooked. Extending the directionalist/relationalist theory of space to the problem of when it is that discrete objects compose a whole, Hestevold revisits his answer to the Special Composition Question. He also uses the directionalist/relationalist theory to formulate reductivist theories of boundaries and holes-theories that may allow one to resist the view that boundaries and holes are ontologically parasitic entities. Finally, he explores directionalism/relationalism vis-a-vis spacetime. After noting findings of modern physics that favor substantivalist spacetime and then developing metaphysical concerns that favor instead directionalist/relationalist spacetime, Hestevold notes the ontological benefit of endorsing spatiotemporal directional relations even if spacetime substantivalism is the winning theory.

Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space Reviews

Hestevold's book is a sophisticated, well-informed, and original treatment of thorny issues in analytic metaphysics. He grounds his discussion of space and directionality in the classic debate between Newton and Leibniz, but deftly takes it into the contemporary relativistic understanding of spacetime, with much to say about composition, persistence, continuity, and dependent particulars along the way.

-- Steven D. Hales, Bloomsburg University

About H. Scott Hestevold

H. Scott Hestevold is professor emeritus of philosophy at The University of Alabama.

Table of Contents

PrefaceChapter 1: The Map to Nowhere and Beyond

Chapter 2: Spatial Directionalism

Chapter 3: A Directionalist Theory of Space

Chapter 4: Defending Spacelessness

Chapter 5: The Special Composition Question Revisited

Chapter 6: Is the Road to Nowhere Without Boundaries and Holes?

Chapter 7: Is Modern Physics a Roadblock to Going Nowhere?

Bibliography

Additional information

NLS9781498579988
9781498579988
1498579981
Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere by H. Scott Hestevold
New
Paperback
Lexington Books
2022-05-15
242
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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