Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere

By H Scott Hestevold

Book Overview

In Toward a Directionalist Theory of Space: On Going Nowhere, H. Scott Hestevold formulates a new relationalist theory of space by appealing to the view that the universe is directioned in the sense that there exist directional relations--a class of spatial relations that Leibniz overlooked. Extending the directionalist/relationalist theory of space to the problem of when it is that discrete objects compose a whole, Hestevold revisits his answer to the Special Composition Question. He also uses the directionalist/relationalist theory to formulate reductivist theories of boundaries and holes--theories that may allow one to resist the view that boundaries and holes are ontologically parasitic entities. Finally, he explores directionalism/relationalism vis- -vis spacetime. After noting findings of modern physics that favor substantivalist spacetime and then developing metaphysical concerns that favor instead directionalist/relationalist spacetime, Hestevold notes the ontological benefit of endorsing spatiotemporal directional relations even if spacetime substantivalism is the winning theory.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1498579981
• ISBN13: 9781498579988
• Release Date: May 2022
• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"