Scientific Essentialism by Brian Ellis

Scientific Essentialism by Brian Ellis

Scientific Essentialism defends the view that the fundamental laws of nature depend on the essential properties of the things on which they are said to operate, and are therefore not independent of them. These laws are not imposed upon the world by God, the forces of nature or anything else, but rather are immanent in the world. Ellis argues that ours is a dynamic world consisting of more or less transient objects which are constantly interacting with each other, and whose identities depend on their roles in these processes. Natural objects must behave as they do, because to do otherwise would be contrary to their natures. The laws of nature are, therefore, metaphysically necessary, and consequently, there are necessary connections between events. Brian Ellis calls for the rejection of the theory of Humean Supervenience and an implementation of a new kind of realism in philosophical analysis.

"In this useful and well-written account of his crusade against Humeanism, Ellis attacks this ubiquitous worldview on both scientific and metaphysical levels..this book is distictly rewarding for philosophers and scientists alike." Choice Dec 2001
"This is an impressive book.... what [Ellis] has presented is a theory of the metaphysical structure of the world..." Philosophy in Review

Ellis, Brian: - Brian Ellis is professorial fellow in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at University of Melbourne and emeritus professor of philosophy at La Trobe University. His books include The Philosophy of Nature: A Guide to the New Essentialism.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521037747
ISBN 10	0521037743
Title	Scientific Essentialism
Author	Brian Ellis
Series	Cambridge Studies In Philosophy
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2007-07-19
Number of pages	324
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable