Esfeld, Michael (2009) Hypothetical metaphysics of nature. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The paper first sketches out a reply to the underdetermination challenge and the incommensurability challenge that rebuts the sceptical conclusions of these challenges and that is sufficient to lay the ground for the project of a metaphysics of nature. That metaphysics is as hypothetical as are our scientific theories. The paper then explains how can one can argue for certain views in the metaphysics of nature based on our current fundamental physical theories, namely the commitments to a tenseless theory of time and existence instead of a tensed one, to events instead of substances, and to relations instead of intrinsic properties. Finally, the paper mentions the themes of causation, laws and dispositions.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Esfeld, Michael
Keywords:	block universe, eternalism, incommensurability, scientific realism, structural realism, underdetermination
Subjects:	General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User:	Michael Esfeld
Date Deposited:	15 Apr 2009
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:17
Item ID:	4556
Subjects:	General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date:	April 2009
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4556

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