Ockhamism and Philosophy of Time: Semantic and Metaphysical Issues Concerning Future Contingents

This book explores contemporary Ockhamism's impact on semantics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of science. It examines the thesis that sentences and propositions about the future have a definite truth value, the problem of the branching-time model, and the idea of soft facts. It provides an updated and rigorous idea of the debate about Ockhamism, offering readers a deeper understanding of this philosophical approach influenced by William of Ockham.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 171 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the core principles of contemporary Ockhamism, offering a profound exploration of its impact on various fields of study. Through a collection of insightful essays, the book showcases how contemporary Ockhamism can shape and influence areas such as semantics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of science. Moreover, the volume features a historian of Medieval philosophy who delves into the intricate interpretation of William of Ockham's ideas regarding time and future contingency.

The essays in this collection explore the diverse interpretations and meanings of contemporary Ockhamism. They address three central themes, each offering a unique perspective on this philosophical theory. The first theme examines the notion that sentences and propositions about the future possess a definite truth value, without necessarily committing to determinism or fatalism. The second theme explores the question of whether the branching-time model necessitates the inclusion of a privileged branch, often referred to as the "Thin Red Line." Finally, the third theme examines the concept of soft facts, which are verbally about the present or past but metaphysically about a later time and subject to potential change in the future.

Overall, this book serves as an updated and rigorous exploration of the debate surrounding Ockhamism. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of this philosophical approach, influenced by the teachings of William of Ockham, which rejects the Aristotelian notion that future contingents must be deemed neither true nor false to preserve their contingency. By presenting a diverse range of perspectives and themes, this book offers valuable insights into the complexities of contemporary philosophical thought and its application to various fields of study.

Weight: 291g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030903619
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022