On Metaphysical Equivalence, Primitiveness, and Theory Choice
In this book, Jiri Benovsky explores the aesthetic properties of metaphysical theories and their significance in evaluating and choosing between them. He discusses metaphysical equivalence and the importance of primitives in theory construction. Ultimately, he argues that aesthetic qualities influence theory choice, leading him to a form of anti-realism.
How do ordinary objects persist through time and across possible worlds? How do they manage to have their temporal and modal properties? These are the questions adressed in this book which is? „guided tour of theories of persistence“. The book is divided in two parts. In the first, the two traditional accounts of persistence through time (endurantism and perdurantism) are combined with presentism and eternalism to yield four different views, and their variants. The resulting views are then examined in turn, in order to see which combinations are appealing and which are not. It is argued that the 'worm view' variant of eternalist perdurantism is superior to the other alternatives. In the second part of the book, the same strategy is applied to the combinations of views about persistence across possible worlds (trans-world identity, counterpart theory, modal perdurants) and views about the nature of worlds, mainly modal realism and abstractionism. Not only all the traditional and well-known views, but also some more original ones, are examined and their pros and cons are carefully weighted. Here again, it is argued that perdurance seems to be the best strategy available.
Panpsychism, Dual-Aspect Monism, and the Combination Problem
Panpsychism claims that mentality is ubiquitous to reality, and in combination with dual-aspect monism it claims that anything, from fundamental particles to rocks, trees, and human animals, has two aspects: a physical aspect and a mental aspect.
The book presents a compelling argument for non-exceptionalist eliminativism, systematically examining various types of supposedly existing objects, including living beings and persons. Benovsky contends that, from a metaphysical standpoint, rejecting these entities leads to a more coherent understanding of reality. Through rigorous analysis, the author challenges conventional beliefs about existence and advocates for a worldview that eliminates these entities altogether.
On Borderline Cases of Artworks and their Aesthetic Properties
Focusing on unconventional forms of art, this book delves into gustatory and olfactory experiences, particularly through food, as well as proprioceptive artworks such as dance, martial arts, and rock climbing. It examines how these unique art forms challenge traditional boundaries and expand the understanding of what constitutes art. By exploring these intriguing cases, the book invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of sensory experiences and artistic expression.
Víte, že pravým scenáristou Matrixu nebyl nikdo jiný než René Descartes? To je překvapující už jen proto, že byl příliš zaměstnaný pochybováním o všem, včetně toho, zda by měl vůbec vstát z postele. Méně známým, ale stejně zásadním faktem je, že Descartes měl nečekaně hodně společného s Tomem Cruisem. Kant a Nietzsche hrají důležité role ve Star Treku, zatímco John Locke byl zdrojem inspirace pro tvůrce Avatara. Filmy a televizní seriály jsou plné filozofie, což také vysvětluje, proč se Batman neustále potýká s vězňovým dilematem a proč se tvůrci Terminátora a Robocopa zamýšlejí nad podstatou mysli a vědomí. A pak je tu Marty McFly z Návratu do budoucnosti, jehož život je zkomplikován nejen cestováním časem, ale také nekonečnou debatou o svobodě a determinismu. Filozof Jiří Beňovský v této knize nabízí devatenáct krátkých příběhů, které sledují, jak se filozofie odráží v popkulturních zrcadlech filmů a televize. Pokud se chcete dozvědět, jak postavit stroj na výrobu štěstí nebo co se stane, když vám rozpůlí mozek, jste na správném místě. A pokud ne, vždycky si můžete zapnout Star Trek a zamyslet se nad tím, jak Kant a Nietzsche zachraňují galaxii jedním logickým argumentem za druhým.
