Critical Introduction to Fictionalism

A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of fictionalism, contrasting it with other non-realist doctrines and motivating influential fictionalist treatments across various philosophical issues. It explores physical objects, universals, God, moral properties, numbers, and other fictional entities, offering general lessons about the conditions under which a fictionalist treatment is plausible. It also features a historical survey, definitions of key terms, characterisations of important subdivisions, objections and problems for fictionalism, and contemporary fictionalist treatments of several issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of fictionalism, a prominent alternative to realism. It delves into various philosophical questions, including ethics, the philosophy of religion, art, mathematics, logic, and science, to provide a thorough understanding of fictionalism's distinctiveness compared to other non-realist doctrines. The book presents a defense and criticism of influential fictionalist approaches while also highlighting emerging fictionalist treatments across a range of philosophical issues. It discusses the nature of physical objects, universals, God, moral properties, numbers, and other fictional entities, drawing general lessons about the conditions under which a fictionalist treatment of a class of items is plausible. By distinguishing fictionalism from other views about the existence of items, the book elucidates the central features of this key metaphysical topic. Additionally, it features a historical survey, definitions of key terms, characterizations of important subdivisions, objections and problems for fictionalism, and contemporary fictionalist treatments of several issues. A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism is a valuable resource for students of metaphysics and philosophical methodology, as it is the only book of its kind.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472512888