A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism

Description

A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of an important alternative to realism. Drawing on questions from ethics, the philosophy of religion, art, mathematics, logic and science, this is a complete exploration of how fictionalism contrasts with other non-realist doctrines and motivates influential fictionalist treatments across a range of philosophical issues. Defending and criticizing influential as well as emerging fictionalist approaches, this accessible overview discuses physical objects, universals, God, moral properties, numbers and other fictional entities. Where possible it draws general lessons about the conditions under which a fictionalist treatment of a class of items is plausible. Distinguishing fictionalism from other views about the existence of items, it explains the central features of this key metaphysical topic. Featuring a historical survey, definitions of key terms, characterisations of important subdivisions, objections and problems for fictionalism, and contemporary fictionalist treatments of several issues, A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism is a valuable resource for students of metaphysics as well as students of philosophical methodology. It is the only book of its kind.

Frederick Kroon is Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Stuart Brock is Associate Professor in Philosophy at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Jonathan McKeown-Green was Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy Department at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

A Critical Introduction to Fictionalism offers enough overview and background to serve as a genuine introduction to the topic to those not already immersed in the literature, but also, by bringing together strands from debates over fictionalisms in different areas, includes enough food for thought for the more seasoned fictionalist to prompt reflection on how best to develop core fictionalist insights ... recommend[ed] to both of these groups of readers. * Philosophia Mathematica *