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An Analysis of Properties In John Heil's "From an Ontological Point of View"

Ford, Sharon (2007). An Analysis of Properties In John Heil's "From an Ontological Point of View". From an Ontological Point of View, SWIF: Philosophy of Mind Review,6(2):42-51.

Document type: Journal Article
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Title An Analysis of Properties In John Heil's "From an Ontological Point of View"
Author Ford, Sharon
Journal Name From an Ontological Point of View, SWIF: Philosophy of Mind Review
Publication Date 2007
Volume Number 6
Issue Number 2
ISSN 1126-4780   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 42
End Page 51
Total Pages 10
Language English
Field of Research 220309 - Metaphysics
Abstract In this paper I argue that the requirement for the qualitative is theory-dependent, determined by the fundamental assumptions built into the ontology. John Heil’s qualitative, in its role as individuator of objects and powers, is required only by a theory that posits a world of distinct objects or powers. Does Heil’s ‘deep’ view of the world, such that there is only one powerful object (e.g. a field containing modes or properties which we perceive as manifest everyday objects) require the qualitative as individuator of objects and powers? The answer depends on whether it is possible to account for the manifest objects and the ostensible spatial primacy of our perceived world without recourse to the qualitative. In this paper I outline just such an account with the intention of extending Heil’s efforts to incorporate fundamental power in the world while providing a coherent explanation for our strong intuition of spatial, as against relational, priority.
Keywords dispositional properties
categorical properties
ontological point of view
powers
distinctness
qualitative properties
field theory
substance ontology
Additional Notes SWIF (Sito Web Italiano per la Filosofia) philosophy of mind review
 
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Created: Mon, 30 Jan 2017, 16:31:19 CST by Sharon Ford