Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere

H. Scott Hestevold formulates a new relationalist theory of space by appealing to the view that the universe is directioned in the sense that there exist directional relations. He revisits his answer to the Special Composition Question and formulates reductivist theories of boundaries and holes, which may allow one to resist the view that boundaries and holes are ontologically parasitic entities. He also explores directionalism/relationalism vis-à-vis spacetime, noting findings of modern physics that favor substantivalist spacetime and then developing metaphysical concerns that favor directionalist/relationalist spacetime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his groundbreaking work "Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere," H. Scott Hestevold presents a novel relationalist perspective on space, building upon the notion that the universe exhibits directional relations. These directional relations, a class of spatial relations that Leibniz overlooked, play a crucial role in shaping the spatial landscape. By extending the directionalist/relationalist theory of space to address the issue of when discrete objects compose a whole, Hestevold revisits his previous answer to the Special Composition Question. Furthermore, he employs the directionalist/relationalist framework to develop reductivist theories of boundaries and holes, which challenge the notion that boundaries and holes are ontologically parasitic entities. Additionally, Hestevold delves into the relationship between directionalism/relationalism and spacetime, considering the findings of modern physics that support substantivalist spacetime and the metaphysical concerns that favor directionalist/relationalist spacetime. Despite acknowledging the ontological benefits of endorsing spatiotemporal directional relations even if substantivalist spacetime emerges as the winning theory, Hestevold ultimately advocates for a directionalist/relationalist understanding of space.

In his groundbreaking work "Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere," H. Scott Hestevold presents a novel relationalist perspective on space, building upon the notion that the universe exhibits directional relations. These directional relations, a class of spatial relations that Leibniz overlooked, play a crucial role in shaping the spatial landscape. By extending the directionalist/relationalist theory of space to address the issue of when discrete objects compose a whole, Hestevold revisits his previous answer to the Special Composition Question. Furthermore, he employs the directionalist/relationalist framework to develop reductivist theories of boundaries and holes, which challenge the notion that boundaries and holes are ontologically parasitic entities. Additionally, Hestevold delves into the relationship between directionalism/relationalism and spacetime, considering the findings of modern physics that support substantivalist spacetime and the metaphysical concerns that favor directionalist/relationalist spacetime. Despite acknowledging the ontological benefits of endorsing spatiotemporal directional relations even if substantivalist spacetime emerges as the winning theory, Hestevold ultimately advocates for a directionalist/relationalist understanding of space.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 218 x 155 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498579988