Fundamentality and Grounding

Contemporary metaphysics debates the relation of grounding, thought to connect the more to the less fundamental. Physicalism holds that reality is fundamentally physical, so how can physics inform these debates? This Element introduces grounding, discusses key issues, and shows how physics can help answer them, furthering a naturalistic approach to metaphysics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Contemporary metaphysics is deeply rooted in a series of fundamental inquiries concerning the nature of reality. At its core, these debates revolve around the relationship between grounding and thought, which serves as a bridge connecting the more fundamental aspects of existence to the less fundamental ones. Given that the majority of contemporary metaphysicians subscribe to the doctrine of physicalism, which posits that reality is fundamentally physical, a natural question arises: how can physics contribute to the ongoing discussions on fundamentality and grounding?

This Element serves as an introduction to the concept of grounding and some of the key issues that animate contemporary debates surrounding it. These include questions such as whether grounding is unified or plural and whether there exists a fundamental level of reality. Furthermore, it explores how resources from physics can provide valuable insights into these matters, thus strengthening the case for a naturalistic approach to even the most fundamental questions in metaphysics.

The notion of grounding is central to contemporary metaphysics. It refers to the process by which higher-level entities are connected to lower-level entities through a series of relations. These relations can be either intrinsic or extrinsic, depending on whether they are inherent to the entities themselves or imposed by external factors. For example, a table may be grounded in the floor through a physical connection, while a belief may be grounded in evidence through an epistemic relation.

One of the key debates in contemporary metaphysics revolves around the nature of grounding. Some philosophers argue that grounding is unified, meaning that there is a single fundamental level of reality that underlies all other levels. Others argue that grounding is plural, suggesting that there are multiple fundamental levels of reality, each with its own set of relations.

Another important issue in contemporary grounding debates is the question of whether there exists a fundamental level of reality. Some philosophers argue that there is a fundamental level of reality, which is the source of all other levels. Others argue that there is no fundamental level of reality, and that all levels of existence are emergent from lower-level entities.

In order to address these questions, contemporary metaphysicians have turned to resources from physics. For example, quantum mechanics has provided insights into the nature of quantum particles and their interactions, which can help shed light on the nature of grounding and the fundamental level of reality. String theory has also offered a theoretical framework for understanding the fundamental structure of the universe, which can contribute to our understanding of grounding and the fundamental level of reality.

In conclusion, the relationship between grounding and thought is at the heart of contemporary metaphysics. The debate over the nature of grounding is ongoing, with some philosophers arguing for a unified and others for a plural approach. The question of whether there exists a fundamental level of reality is also a central issue in these debates. By drawing on resources from physics, contemporary metaphysicians can gain valuable insights into these questions and contribute to our understanding of the nature of reality.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108714020
Edition number: New ed