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The Ontology of Physical Objects

The Ontology of Physical Objects

The Ontology of Physical Objects

Four-Dimensional Hunks of Matter
Mark Heller
July 2008
Available
Paperback
9780521069496
$46.99
USD
Paperback
USD
Hardback

    This provocative new book attempts to resolve traditional problems of identity over time. It seeks to answer such questions as "How is it that an object can survive change?" and "How much change can an object undergo without being destroyed?"
    To answer these questions Professor Heller presents a completely new theory about the nature of physical objects and about the relationship between our language and the physical world. According to his theory, the only actually existing physical entities are what the author calls "hunks," four dimensional objects extending across time and space.
    This is a major new contribution to ontological debate and will be essential reading for all philosophers concerned with metaphysics.

    Reviews & endorsements

    "His arguments are based on some important ideas...that I would like to see thrust on center stage of current discussions." James van Cleve, Brown University

    See more reviews

    Product details

    October 1990
    Hardback
    9780521385442
    180 pages
    227 × 148 × 17 mm
    0.34kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Preface
    • 1. Temporal parts of four-dimensional objects
    • 2. Conventional objects
    • 3. The Sorites paradox
    • 4. Appropriateness and paraphrase
    • Index.
      Author
    • Mark Heller