Efird, D. and Stoneham, T. (2006) Combinatorialism and the possibility of nothing. Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 84 (2). pp. 269-80. ISSN 1471-6828
Abstract
We argue that Armstrong's Combinatorialism allows for the possibility of nothing by giving a Combinatorial account of the empty world and show that such an account is consistent with the ontological and conceptual aims of the theory. We then suggest that the Combinatorialist should allow for this possibility given some methodological considerations. Consequently, rather than being 'spoils for the victor', as Armstrong maintains, deciding whether there might have been nothing helps to determine which metaphysics of modality is to be preferred.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Arts and Humanities (York) > Philosophy (York) |
Depositing User: | York RAE Import |
Date Deposited: | 23 Jul 2009 14:21 |
Last Modified: | 23 Jul 2009 14:21 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00048400600759134 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Routledge |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/00048400600759134 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:5672 |