Neo-Aristotelian Metaphysics

by Corkum

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.

78 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2025

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn’t do justice to Aristotelian metaphysics. Not only is there nothing substantive to someone whose already familiar with Aristotelian metaphysics (and so doesn’t tell you much); it’s so fast paced (a non-Aristotelian might say w, aristotelians might say x, y, z and then not really telling you the merits of the latter or how things fit together) that it can’t be of use to someone who isn’t familiar. Surely the aim should have been to present a convincing case for Aristotelian metaphysics, rather than almost every paragraph stating what someone else thinks.
It’s also a downfall that there’s no mention of David Wiggins, Sarah Broadie, or David Charles since they’ve done more than almost anyone to forward the Aristotelian view.