Description
Book SynopsisThis book evaluates competing theories on speculative topics, such as nature, technology, space, time, and the relation of mind and matter. The general thesis is the actuality of principles in the form of laws, norms and other general principles in a plastic world, tying together the actualization of “oughts” and other principles. The result is a pluralistic universe, endorsing the pragmatic view of the world. The book examines nature, being, reality and other traditional issues in this light, critically evaluating many historical approaches.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Does Nature Exist? Toward a Critique of Nature and Naturalism Nature as Singular Nature as the Whole Nature as Distinct Theoretical and Practical Consequences Mystical Materialism Matter and Mind Nature Viewed as Mechanical Physicalism Being, Techne and Change Being, Becoming, and Change Reality as Indeterminate The Moral Task Critical Evaluation of Facts Introduction The Identification of Facts with What “Is” The Identification of Facts with Knowledge The Fact–Value Distinction The Problem with “Brain” The “Mind-Brain Identity” View Descartes Dimensionality Mind and Culture Mental Causation Conclusion Principles: The Principle of Principles What are Principles? The Actuality of Principles The Actuality of Principles Show Why Ontology is Inadequate Space and the Void The Distinction of Perception and Space Space and the Void: Qualities of the Void The Expansion of the Universe as Evidence for the Void Is Time Multidimensional? The Metaphysics of Time Future to Past: the Flow of Time. The Past as “Gone” Past to Future: Determination and Prediction Two Contrary Directions: Different Dimensions? Time As a Measure of Changes, Not a Force: Does Multidimensionality Meet this Test? Conclusions Conclusion The Normative Dimension of the World Perspective Epochs: Hierarchical Evaluations of Chance Cosmic Balance Notes Bibliography About the Author Index
