Material Objects in Confucian and Aristotelian Metaphysics: The Inevitability of Hylomorphism

Hylomorphism is a metaphysical theory that explains the unity of material objects through a special immaterial part, a 'form'. James Dominic Rooney argues that the classical approach to the unity of material objects in terms of 'form' remains theoretically superior, drawing on medieval European and Chinese traditions to show how Thomas Aquinas' account of form gives a more coherent version of hylomorphism. He also studies Zhu Xis hylomorphic intuition and explains why all those who believe in the unity of material objects will appeal to a form, enabling hylomorphism to remain a plausible framework.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Hylomorphism is a metaphysical theory that seeks to explain the unity of material objects through a special immaterial part called a 'form'. While contemporary accounts of hylomorphism emphasize structure and suggest that material substances can have other substances as parts, James Dominic Rooney challenges this Neo-Aristotelian perspective. Instead, he draws on medieval European and Chinese traditions to argue that the classical approach to the unity of material objects in terms of 'form remains theoretically superior. Rooney demonstrates how Thomas Aquinas' account of form provides a more coherent version of hylomorphism, eliminating the need for substance parts. He also explores the hylomorphic intuition of the Song dynasty Confucian thinker Zhu Xi, who believed that whatever accounts for the composition of some parts into a material whole is a metaphysical part of that object. By appealing to the same non-Aristotelian considerations as Zhu Xi, Rooney explains why all those who believe in the unity of material objects will appeal to a form, thus making hylomorphism a plausible framework. In doing so, this book offers a fresh perspective on a classic philosophical problem in contemporary metaphysics and highlights the profound theoretical connections between Western and Confucian thought.

Hylomorphism is a metaphysical theory that seeks to explain the unity of material objects through a special immaterial part called a 'form'. While contemporary accounts of hylomorphism emphasize structure and suggest that material substances can have other substances as parts, James Dominic Rooney challenges this Neo-Aristotelian perspective. Instead, he draws on medieval European and Chinese traditions to argue that the classical approach to the unity of material objects in terms of 'form remains theoretically superior. Rooney demonstrates how Thomas Aquinas' account of form provides a more coherent version of hylomorphism, eliminating the need for substance parts. He also explores the hylomorphic intuition of the Song dynasty Confucian thinker Zhu Xi, who believed that whatever accounts for the composition of some parts into a material whole is a metaphysical part of that object. By appealing to the same non-Aristotelian considerations as Zhu Xi, Rooney explains why all those who believe in the unity of material objects will appeal to a form, thus making hylomorphism a plausible framework. In doing so, this book offers a fresh perspective on a classic philosophical problem in contemporary metaphysics and highlights the profound theoretical connections between Western and Confucian thought.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350276383