The Logic of Grounding

The concept of grounding, a fact obtained through other facts, has been studied in metaphysical theorizing for over two decades. It is considered superior reduction and supervenience in capturing certain phenomena. This Element provides a comprehensive and systematic view of contemporary grounding development.

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The concept of grounding – of a fact obtaining in virtue of other facts – has been a topic of intensive philosophical and logical investigation over roughly the past two decades. Many philosophers take grounding to deserve a central place in metaphysical theorizing, in great part because it is thought to do a better job than other concepts – e.g., reduction and supervenience – at capturing certain phenomena. Studies on the logic of grounding have largely been conducted with this philosophical background in mind. In this Element, I try to give a faithful picture of the contemporary development of the logic of grounding in a way that is both reasonably comprehensive and reasonably systematic.