Mereology

Mereology is the study of all relations of part to whole and of part to part within a whole, with deep and far-reaching ramifications in metaphysics, logic, mathematics, language, and science. This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, and formally rigorous picture of the field, with tools for established professionals, students, and newcomers to join this ever-evolving field of inquiry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The concept of "wholeness" has long intrigued philosophers, and it has profound implications in metaphysics, logic, mathematics, language, science, and beyond. Mereology, the study of all relations of part to whole and of part to part within a whole, aims to provide a comprehensive and formally rigorous understanding of this concept. In their book "Mereology," A. J. Cotnoir and Achille C. Varzi have compiled decades of advanced research into a comprehensive and up-to-date account of mereology.

The early chapters of the book cover the classical aspects of mereology, while the rest of the book explores variants and extensions. Whether you are an established professional philosopher, an interested student, or a newcomer to the field, this book offers all the tools you need to join this ever-evolving field of inquiry and theorize about mereological concepts.

One of the central questions in mereology is whether a whole is something more than the sum of its parts. Philosophers have debated this issue for centuries, with some arguing that a whole possesses a unique essence or identity that cannot be reduced to its constituent parts. Others, however, argue that a whole is simply the result of the harmonious interaction of its parts and that it can be decomposed into smaller parts without losing its essential nature.

Another important question in mereology is whether there are things composed of the same parts. Some philosophers have argued that all things are composed of identical parts, while others have argued that things can be composed of different parts but still be considered wholes. This question has implications for the nature of identity and change, as well as for the relationship between parts and wholes.

The question of whether the process of dividing an object into parts and dividing those parts into smaller parts can ever come to an end is also a central concern in mereology. Some philosophers have argued that there is an infinite regress of divisions, while others have argued that there are limits to the size and complexity of parts that can be divided. This question has implications for the nature of space and time, as well as for the possibility of a universal theory of everything.

Mereology also has deep and far-reaching ramifications in metaphysics. For example, it can help to clarify the nature of identity and change, as well as the relationship between physical objects and their mental representations. It can also help to address questions such as the nature of space and time, the existence of universals, and the possibility of a universal theory of everything.

In addition to its philosophical implications, mereology has practical applications in fields such as computer science, engineering, and biology. For example, it can help to clarify the structure and composition of complex systems, such as biological organisms or computer programs. It can also help to address questions such as the nature of information and the relationship between different levels of abstraction.

Overall, the study of mereology is a rich and complex field that has the potential to shed light on many of the fundamental questions of philosophy and science. Whether you are an established professional philosopher, an interested student, or a newcomer to the field, this book offers all the tools you need to join this ever-evolving field of inquiry and theorize about mereological concepts.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198908937