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David Lewis's work is of fundamental importance in many areas of philosophical inquiry and there are few areas of Anglo-American philosophy where his impact has not been felt. Lewis's philosophy also has a rare unity: his views form a comprehensive philosophical system, answering a broad range of questions in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of action and many other areas. This breadth of Lewis's work, however, has meant that it is difficult to know where to start in Lewis's work and a casual reader may often miss some of the illuminating connections between apparently quite disparate pieces of Lewis's work. This book aims to make this body of work more accessible to a general philosophical readership, while also providing a unified overview of the many contributions Lewis has made to contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. The book can be divided into four parts. The first part examines Lewis's metaphysical picture - one of the areas where he has had the greatest impact and also the framework for the rest of his theories. The second section discusses Lewis's important contributions in the philosophy of mind, language and meaning. The third part explores some of Lewis's work in decision theory, metaethics and applied ethics, areas where his work in not necessarily as widely appreciated, but in which he has done a range of work that is both accessible and important. The final section focuses on Lewis's distinctive philosophical method, perhaps one of his most significant legacies, which combines naturalism with "common-sense" theorizing.
Show moreDavid Lewis's work is of fundamental importance in many areas of philosophical inquiry and there are few areas of Anglo-American philosophy where his impact has not been felt. Lewis's philosophy also has a rare unity: his views form a comprehensive philosophical system, answering a broad range of questions in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of action and many other areas. This breadth of Lewis's work, however, has meant that it is difficult to know where to start in Lewis's work and a casual reader may often miss some of the illuminating connections between apparently quite disparate pieces of Lewis's work. This book aims to make this body of work more accessible to a general philosophical readership, while also providing a unified overview of the many contributions Lewis has made to contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. The book can be divided into four parts. The first part examines Lewis's metaphysical picture - one of the areas where he has had the greatest impact and also the framework for the rest of his theories. The second section discusses Lewis's important contributions in the philosophy of mind, language and meaning. The third part explores some of Lewis's work in decision theory, metaethics and applied ethics, areas where his work in not necessarily as widely appreciated, but in which he has done a range of work that is both accessible and important. The final section focuses on Lewis's distinctive philosophical method, perhaps one of his most significant legacies, which combines naturalism with "common-sense" theorizing.
Show moreAcknowledgements Introduction 1. Metaphysical and scientific realism 2. The Humean mosaic 3. The plenitude of possibilities 4. Laws, causes, dispositions and chance 5. Realism and reductive materialism about the mind 6. Representation and mental content 7. Language, use and convention 8. Values and morality 9. Some reflections on Lewis's method Notes Bibliography Index
Daniel Nolan is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.
"An excellent textbook for upper level classes on metaphysics or philosophy of mind ... the book should also have value for professional philosophers because of how it draws out the connections between Lewis's views ... and the critical element of Nolan's exposition should be helpful at points even to experts." - Mind "Daniel Nolan has performed an excellent feat in making accessible one of the deepest thinkers in recent philosophy. He has produced a book that can introduce students and non-specialist philosophers to the range and importance of Lewis's work. This book is a major new aid to understanding Lewis." - Stephen Mumford, University of Nottingham "essential reading for specialists and non-specialists alike in metaphysics, mind, epistemology and language. Nolan has given us a pellucid, lively and accessible overview of the diverse strands of Lewis's work. I know of no other treatment of Lewis that is as useful, comprehensive and well written." - L. A. Paul, University of Arizona "Daniel Nolan has the breadth of knowledge and technical facility to produce this first-rate, user-friendly study of the Lewisian system. In doing so, he has provided a great service to both specialists and non-specialists alike." - Alan Hajek, Australian National University
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