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Speculative Evaluations
Essays on a Pluralistic Universe
Series: - Value Inquiry Book Series, Volume: 243
- Studies in Pragmatism and Values, Volume: 243
Author:
This book evaluates competing theories on speculative topics, such as nature, technology, space, time, and the relation of mind and matter. The general thesis is the actuality of principles in the form of laws, norms and other general principles in a plastic world, tying together the actualization of âoughtsâ and other principles. The result is a pluralistic universe, endorsing the pragmatic view of the world. The book examines nature, being, reality and other traditional issues in this light, critically evaluating many historical approaches.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Does Nature Exist? Toward a Critique of Nature and Naturalism
Nature as Singular
Nature as the Whole
Nature as Distinct
Theoretical and Practical Consequences
Mystical Materialism
Matter and Mind
Nature Viewed as Mechanical
Physicalism
Being, Techne and Change
Being, Becoming, and Change
Reality as Indeterminate
The Moral Task
Critical Evaluation of Facts
Introduction
The Identification of Facts with What âIsâ
The Identification of Facts with Knowledge
The FactâValue Distinction
The Problem with âBrainâ
The âMind-Brain Identityâ View
Descartes
Dimensionality
Mind and Culture
Mental Causation
Conclusion
Principles: The Principle of Principles
What are Principles?
The Actuality of Principles
The Actuality of Principles Show Why Ontology is Inadequate
Space and the Void
The Distinction of Perception and Space
Space and the Void: Qualities of the Void
The Expansion of the Universe as Evidence for the Void
Is Time Multidimensional?
The Metaphysics of Time
Future to Past: the Flow of Time. The Past as âGoneâ
Past to Future: Determination and Prediction
Two Contrary Directions: Different Dimensions?
Time As a Measure of Changes, Not a Force: Does Multidimensionality Meet this Test?
Conclusions
Conclusion
The Normative Dimension of the World
Perspective
Epochs: Hierarchical Evaluations of Chance
Cosmic Balance
Notes
Bibliography
About the Author
Index
Introduction
Does Nature Exist? Toward a Critique of Nature and Naturalism
Nature as Singular
Nature as the Whole
Nature as Distinct
Theoretical and Practical Consequences
Mystical Materialism
Matter and Mind
Nature Viewed as Mechanical
Physicalism
Being, Techne and Change
Being, Becoming, and Change
Reality as Indeterminate
The Moral Task
Critical Evaluation of Facts
Introduction
The Identification of Facts with What âIsâ
The Identification of Facts with Knowledge
The FactâValue Distinction
The Problem with âBrainâ
The âMind-Brain Identityâ View
Descartes
Dimensionality
Mind and Culture
Mental Causation
Conclusion
Principles: The Principle of Principles
What are Principles?
The Actuality of Principles
The Actuality of Principles Show Why Ontology is Inadequate
Space and the Void
The Distinction of Perception and Space
Space and the Void: Qualities of the Void
The Expansion of the Universe as Evidence for the Void
Is Time Multidimensional?
The Metaphysics of Time
Future to Past: the Flow of Time. The Past as âGoneâ
Past to Future: Determination and Prediction
Two Contrary Directions: Different Dimensions?
Time As a Measure of Changes, Not a Force: Does Multidimensionality Meet this Test?
Conclusions
Conclusion
The Normative Dimension of the World
Perspective
Epochs: Hierarchical Evaluations of Chance
Cosmic Balance
Notes
Bibliography
About the Author
Index