Dividing Reality by Eli Hirsch (English) Hardcover Book

Description: Dividing Reality by Eli Hirsch An exploration of `the division problem in which the author demonstrates that a language can be constructed which describes reality in ways we would find absurdly irrational, for example by classifying normally disparate items under the same general term. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Why does our language divide up reality one way rather than another? On what rational basis does our language contain certain kinds of general words rather than others?Hirsch shows that a language can be constructed which describes reality in ways we would find absurdly irrational, for example by classifying normally disparate items under the same general term. The apparent irrationality of the new language does not depend on its impoverishedfact-stating power, as this may be equivalent to the fact-stating power of ordinary language; the problem then is to explain exactly what is wrong with it. Various options are explored and criticized,such as the hypothesis that language must reflect an underlying objective distinction between `natural kinds; that there are pragmatic reasons for the way language functions as it does; and that, as a matter of `metaphysical necessity, strange ways of dividing up reality are constructions out of ordinary ways. Having demonstrated that this newly identified problem is in fact a serious one which cannot be easily solved or brushed aside, Hirsch offers his own suggestions for a possiblesolution. Author Biography Hirsch is Professor of Philosophy at Brandeis University. Review Important and challenging, and covers much territory.... Hirsch leads us through the heart of metaphysics, [leaving] his special mark on all the topics he touches. Id put it on the Metaphysicians Must Read list. * Philosophy and Phenomenological Research * Long Description The central question in this book is why it seems reasonable for the words of our language to divide up the world in ordinary ways rather than other imaginable ways. Hirsch calls this the division problem. His book aims to bring this problem into sharp focus, to distinguish it from various related problems, and to consider the best prospects for solving it. In exploring various possible responses to the division problem, Hirsch examines series of "divisionprinciples" which purport to express rational constraints on how our words ought to classify and individuate. The ensuing discussion deals with a wide range of metaphysical and epistemological topics, including projectibility and similarity, alternative analyses of natural properties and things, theinscrutability of reference, and the relevance of such pragmatic notions as salience and economy. The final chapters of the book develop what Hirsch contends is the most promising response to the division problem: a theory in which constraints on classification and individuation are seen to derive from the necessary structure of "fine-grained" propositions and the necessary dependence of some concepts on others. Review Quote Important and challenging, and covers much territory.... Hirsch leads us through the heart of metaphysics, [leaving] his special mark on all the topics he touches. Id put it on the Metaphysicians Must Read list. Details ISBN0195057546 Author Eli Hirsch Short Title DIVIDING REALITY Language English ISBN-10 0195057546 ISBN-13 9780195057546 Media Book Format Hardcover Birth 1938 Position Professor of Philosophy Affiliation Professor of Philosophy, Brandeis University, Massachusetts UK Release Date 1993-07-22 AU Release Date 1993-07-22 NZ Release Date 1993-07-22 US Release Date 1993-07-22 Imprint Oxford University Press Place of Publication Oxford Country of Publication United Kingdom Publisher Oxford University Press Year 1993 Publication Date 1993-07-22 Alternative 9780195111422 DEWEY 401 Illustrations line figures Audience Professional & Vocational Pages 264 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:97821423;

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