A Paradigm Theory of Existence: Onto-Theology Vindicated (Philosophical Studies Series) [Hardcover]

W.F. Vallicella (Author)

Book Description

Series: Philosophical Studies Series | Publication Date: September 30, 2002

What is it for any contingent thing to exist? Why does any contingent thing exist? For some time now, the preferred style in addressing such questions has been deflationary when it has not been eliminativist. In its critical half, this book thoroughly analyzes and demolishes the main deflationary and eliminativist accounts of existence, including those of Brentano, Frege, Russell, and Quine, thereby restoring existence to its rightful place as one of the deep topics in philosophy, if not the deepest. In its constructive half, the book defends the thesis that the two questions admit of a unified answer, and that this answer takes the form of what the author calls a paradigm theory of existence. The central idea of the paradigm theory is that existence itself is a paradigmatically existent concrete individual. In this way the author vindicates onto-theology and puts paid to the Heideggerian conceit that Being cannot itself be a being. This work will be of interest to all serious students and teachers of philosophy, especially those interested in metaphysics and the philosophy of religion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "This book offers an extended argument that the existence of contingent things is grounded in and hence accounted for by a paradigm existent, which is none other than existence itself … . a very useful book indeed. The ground covered is immense. The author’s knowledge of the past century and a half of philosophizing about the problem of existence is encyclopedic, and his arguments are incisive, to the point, and almost always persuasive. … this volume belongs on the reading list of anyone … ." (Hugh J. McCann, The Review of Metaphysics, Vol. LVIII (231), 2005) "While reading Vallicella’s excellent book, I was constantly reminded of why I went to philosophy. It addresses an important perennial issue, it is deep, well-informed and broad, and it is full of precise, careful arguments. This work is one of the best books I have ever read on topics in analytic ontology. … Vallicella’s book is incredibly rich, learned and rewarding. … And reading this book would be a good antidote to anyone … ." (J. P. Moreland, Journal of the Evangelical Philosophical Society, 2005)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 294 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402008872
• ISBN-13: 978-1402008870
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,114,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory reading, July 14, 2003

By 

Panayot Butchvarov (University of Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Paradigm Theory of Existence: Onto-Theology Vindicated (Philosophical Studies Series) (Hardcover)

Vallicella's book stands out as thorough and resolutely focused on the topic of the nature of existence. It is mandatory reading for anyone intending to work on it, or indeed in metaphysics generally.