Andrews, Samuel John 
ORCID: 0000-0002-0914-7928
(2024).
Epistemic metaphysics.
University of Birmingham.
Ph.D.
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Andrews2024PhD.pdf
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Abstract
Metaphysical proposals are strongly influenced by epistemic considerations. Our capacity to know, explain or perceive influences theories about what is fundamental, exists or is true. These kinds of connections are pervasive as, for example, Fine (2012) and Schaffer (2009) base their metaphysics on explanation, Benacerraf (1973) and Peacocke (1999) base their metaphysics on our ability to know metaphysical truths, and Lewis (1986) and Jackson (1994) base their metaphysics on compatibility with contemporary physics. In each case, pertinent epistemic factors are used to motivate – provide reasons to accept or reject – particular metaphysical theories. This thesis examines significant epistemic factors, their connected metaphysical theories and the nature of the motivating connection exhibited between them to develop a novel approach to metaphysics: called ‘Epistemic Metaphysics’.
To do this, in four papers, arguments are constructed in specific areas of metaphysics where epistemic considerations play central roles. Among others, topics covered include explanation, realism, normativity, laws, chance, dependence, empirical adequacy, and ontology. Then, by drawing inspiration from this wide array of philosophical arguments, a fine-grained account of the epistemic constraints on metaphysical inquiry can be composed; one that properly respects the intricacies of functional philosophical debate and provides general guidelines that are appropriate in any piecemeal application. Identifying the epistemic factors already employed in metaphysical arguments makes it possible to systematise the motivating connections into a set of general metaphysical maxims that constrain metaphysical theory choice: a framework for an explicitly epistemic approach to metaphysics.
| Type of Work: | Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.) | |||||||||
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| Award Type: | Doctorates > Ph.D. | |||||||||
| Supervisor(s): |
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| Licence: | Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 | |||||||||
| College/Faculty: | Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Arts & Law | |||||||||
| School or Department: | School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Department of Theology and Religion | |||||||||
| Funders: | Other | |||||||||
| Other Funders: | Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust, Royal Institute of Philosophy | |||||||||
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BD Speculative Philosophy |
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| URI: | http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/14621 |
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