The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence: Actualism, Meinongianism, and Predication

Matthew Davidson explores the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence, presenting an extended argument for independence actualism, which states that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist. He also considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against it, the semantics of "exists" as a predicate, Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta. The book offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism, which can solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Are there nonexistent objects?

Can we make sense of objects having properties without thinking that there are nonexistent objects?

Is existence a predicate?

Can we make sense of necessarily existing objects depending on God?

Tackling these central questions, Matthew Davidson explores the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence. He presents an extended argument for independence actualism, a previously undefended view that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist.

Among other unique points of discussion, Davidson considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against serious actualism, the semantics of “exists” as a predicate, the merits of different sorts of Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta.

The book offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism in that the view may be used to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion.

Matthew Davidson is a philosopher who has written extensively on the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence. In his book, “The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence”, Davidson presents an extended argument for independence actualism, a view that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist.

One of the key points of Davidson’s argument is that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist. This is in contrast to traditional views of existence, which hold that objects either exist or do not exist. Davidson argues that this view is more accurate because it allows for the possibility of objects having properties in worlds that do not exist.

Another key point of Davidson’s argument is that the existence of objects can be explained without reference to nonexistent objects. This is in contrast to some views, such as Meinongianism, which hold that the existence of objects depends on the existence of nonexistent objects. Davidson argues that this view is not only false but also unnecessary.

Davidson also considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against serious actualism, the semantics of “exists” as a predicate, the merits of different sorts of Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta.

One of the unique features of Davidson’s book is that it offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism. This argument is based on the idea that the view can be used to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion.

In conclusion, Matthew Davidson’s book “The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence” is a valuable contribution to the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence. Davidson presents an extended argument for independence actualism, which challenges traditional views of existence and offers a more accurate view of the nature of objects. The book also offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism, which has the potential to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350344839