The Metaphysics of Extrinsic Properties (eBook)

PREFACE 11
PART I: THE INTRINSIC/EXTRINSIC DISTINCTION 15
1 Introduction: An Intuitive Definition 15
2 Ontological Background 19
2.1 Properties and Relations 19
2.2 Individuals 27
3 Defining Intrinsic and Extrinsic Properties 35
3.1 Early Accounts of the Distinction 35
3.2 Modal Accounts 40
3.2.1 Lewis’s Initial Account 40
3.2.2 Langton and Lewis’s Account 43
3.2.3 Problems Encountered by Langton and Lewis’s Account 48
3.2.3.1 The Problem of Border-Sensitive Properties 48
3.2.3.2 The Problem of Disjunctive Properties 50
3.2.4 Vallentyne’s Account 57
3.2.5 Yablo’s Account 63
3.3 Combinatorial Accounts 66
3.3.1 Weatherson’s Account 66
3.3.2 Denby’s Account18 74
3.4 Relational Accounts 84
3.4.1 The Basic Idea 84
3.4.2 Francescotti’s Account 92
3.4.3 A Modified Relational Account 97
4 Haecceitistic Properties 105
5 General Features of the Intrinsic/Extrinsic Distinction 113
5.1 A Local and a Global Version 113
5.2 Mere Cambridge Properties 117
6 Defining Intrinsic and Extrinsic Relations 129
PART II: EXTRINSIC PROPERTIES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF PHYSICALISM 139
1 Introduction: Extrinsic Properties and the Multi-Layered Picture of the World 139
2 Supervenience of Extrinsic Properties 145
2.1 The Standard Notions of Supervenience 145
2.1.1 The Notions of Weak, Strong and Global Supervenience 145
2.1.2 Problems Encountered by the Standard Notions 151
2.1.2.1 The Problem of Cross-World Variation 151
2.1.2.2 The Problem of Intra-World Variation 153
2.1.2.3 The Problem of Extrinsic Higher-Level Properties 154
2.2 Non-Standard Notions of Supervenience 162
2.2.1 A Combined Notion 162
2.2.2 Weak, Intermediate and Strong Global Supervenience 165
2.3 Notions of Supervenience Based on Criteria of Relevance 175
2.3.1 Regional Supervenience 175
2.3.2 Property-Dependent Supervenience 178
3 Extrinsic Dispositions 191
3.1 The Debate on Dispositions 191
3.2 Arguments for the Intrinsicness of Dispositions 197
3.2.1 Armstrong’s Argument 197
3.2.2 Lewis’s Argument 200
3.2.3 Molnar’s Argument 202
3.3 Examples of Extrinsic Dispositions 205
3.4 Implications 208
FINAL REMARKS 211
BIBLIOGRAPHY 213
INDEX 223
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