Experimental Metaphysics

Description

Metaphysics, almost entirely neglected by experimental philosophers, is the central focus of Experimental Metaphysics. The volume brings together a range of views aimed at addressing the question of how cognitive science might be relevant to metaphysics. With contributions from cognitive scientists and philosophers, chapters focus on theoretical and empirical issues involving the potential role of cognitive science in metaphysics. Alongside topics such as free will, objects and causation, in which relevant empirical evidence is discussed and connected to relevant metaphysical issues, more programmatic papers explore theoretical issues centered on the connection between cognitive science and metaphysics. This balanced approach exposes metaphysicians to philosophically relevant work in cognitive science, while showing cognitive scientists the ways in which their work might be important for philosophers. Presenting cutting-edge empirical and theoretical research, Experimental Metaphysics pushes forward the discussion and encourages further engagement with issues at the intersection of cognitive science and metaphysics.

David Rose is a graduate student in the Department of Philosophy at Rutgers University, USA.

Most of the important work that brings cognitive science and experimental methods to bear on metaphysics is yet to be undertaken, but this volume is a good start. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews * Many philosophers think it is wildly implausible that experimental philosophy can make important contributions to metaphysics. This outstanding collection of groundbreaking essays proves that they are wrong. -- Stephen Stich, Board of Governors Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, USA This is an important and timely contribution to one of the newest and most exciting developments in contemporary philosophy: the project of bringing experimental philosophy and cognitive science to bear on contemporary metaphysics. -- L. A. Paul is Eugene Falk Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA