The Reality of the Social World: Medieval, Early Modern, and Contemporary Perspectives on Social Ontology

This book explores medieval and early modern philosophy's perspectives on social ontology, highlighting the debate over the nature of social groups, institutions, and objects like money and marriage. It demonstrates how relevant views can be found in these periods and how they differ from contemporary Aristotelian-inspired authors to authors like Olivi and Ockham, who emphasize human free will and contractualist agreements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book presents a rich tapestry of insights into medieval, early modern, and contemporary perspectives on social ontology, a field that has experienced a remarkable resurgence in contemporary analytical philosophy since the 1990s. While the study of social ontology has delved deeply into questions concerning the nature and properties of social groups, institutions, facts, and objects such as money and marriage, the historical dimension has largely been overlooked. Recognizing the need to rectify this imbalance, this volume sets out to demonstrate that valuable insights into social ontology can be found in the rich tapestry of medieval and early modern philosophy, a period characterized by intense debates over the ontological status of money, law, and the sacraments.

Within this volume, we witness a fascinating interplay of ideas between Aristotelian-inspired authors, who adopt a more naturalistic view of the emergence of the social realm, and authors like Olivi and Ockham, who emphasize the role of human free will and contractualist agreements. This juxtaposition fosters a deeper understanding of historical positions and approaches by employing contemporary conceptual and analytical tools, while also providing new perspectives to the contemporary debate by confronting its own medieval and early modern history.

By exploring the contributions of these influential thinkers, this book offers a valuable resource for historians of philosophy and philosophers alike. It serves as a gateway to the rich heritage of social ontology, shedding light on the origins and evolution of key concepts and debates. At the same time, it provides a platform for contemporary scholars to engage with historical ideas and frameworks, enriching their understanding of the field and contributing to the ongoing dialogue.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking achievement that fills a significant gap in the study of social ontology. It demonstrates the enduring relevance of historical ideas and provides a valuable resource for scholars seeking to navigate the complex terrain of contemporary social ontology. By bridging the gap between the past and the present, this volume fosters a deeper understanding of the nature of social reality and its implications for our understanding of the world.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031239830
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023