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Series:   Elements in Metaphysics

Neo-Aristotelian Metaphysics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2025

Phil Corkum
Phil Corkum
Affiliation:
University of Alberta

Summary

Contemporary metaphysicians who might be classified as 'neo-Aristotelian' tend towards positions reminiscent of Aristotle's metaphysics – such as category theory, trope theory, substance ontology, endurantism, hylomorphism, essentialism, and agent causation. However, prima facie it seems that one might hold any one of these positions while rejecting the others. What perhaps unifies a neo-Aristotelian approach in metaphysics, then, is not a shared collection of positions so much as a willingness to engage with Aristotle and to view this historical figure as providing a fruitful way of initially framing certain philosophical issues. This Element will begin with a methodological reflection on the contribution historical scholarship on Aristotle might make to contemporary metaphysics. It will then discuss as case studies category theory, properties, substance theory, and hylomorphism. The aim of the Element is to make the relevant exegetical questions accessible to contemporary metaphysicians, and the corresponding contemporary topics accessible to historians.
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Keywords

Aristotleneo-Aristotelian metaphysicshylomorphismsubstance theorycategory theory
Type
Element
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Series: Elements in Metaphysics
Online ISBN: 9781009234948
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 31 May 2025

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Neo-Aristotelian Metaphysics
  • Phil Corkum, University of Alberta
  • Online ISBN: 9781009234948
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Neo-Aristotelian Metaphysics
  • Phil Corkum, University of Alberta
  • Online ISBN: 9781009234948
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Neo-Aristotelian Metaphysics
  • Phil Corkum, University of Alberta
  • Online ISBN: 9781009234948
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