A World of States of Affairs

Description

In this important study D. M. Armstrong offers a comprehensive system of analytical metaphysics that synthesizes but also develops his thinking over the past twenty years. Armstrong's analysis, which acknowledges the "logical atomism" of Russell and Wittgenstein, makes facts (or states of affairs, as the author calls them) the fundamental constituents of the world, examining properties, relations, numbers, classes, possibility and necessity, dispositions, causes and laws. It will appeal to a wide readership in analytical philosophy.

'Thanks to Armstrong's excellent book, we know much better than before what lies ahead if we choose truthmaking and forsake combinatorialism.' David Lewis, Times Literary Supplement 'A World of States of Affairs is not only a fitting summation of Armstrong's contribution to metaphysics over the last twenty years, it is also an important contribution to the contemporary debate.' Mind 'The Armstrong approach to metaphysics is presented clearly and comprehensively.' Philosophy