David (D. M.) Armstrong is one of Australia's greatest philosophers. His chief philosophical achievement has been the development of a core metaphysical programme, embracing the topics of universals, laws, modality and facts: a naturalistic metaphysics, consistent with a scientific view of the natural world. It is primarily through his work that Australian philosophy, and Australian metaphysics in particular, enjoys such a high reputation in the rest of the world. In this book Stephen Mumford offers an introduction to the full range of Armstrong's thought. Mumford begins with a discussion of Armstong's naturalism, his most general commitment, and his realism about universals. He then examines his theories of laws, modality and dispositions, which make up the basics of Armstrong's core theory. With this in place, Mumford explores his ideas on perception, mind and belief before returning to metaphysics in the last two chapters, looking at truth and the new view of instantiation. The book is a dispassionate, fair and unbiased account of Armstrong's thought. Although Armstong's is a body of work that Mumford regards highly and of real significance, he nevertheless highlights areas of weakness and issues about which there is room for further debate.

About the Author
Stephen Mumford is Professor of Metaphysics at the University of Nottingham. His books include Laws in Nature (2004), Dispositions (1998) and Russell on Metaphysics (2003).

Reviews
"A well-organised, lucid and accurate account of all the main aspects of Armstrong's philosophy. A very good book." - Keith Campbell, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Sydney"



Book Information
ISBN 9781844651009
Author Stephen Mumford
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint Acumen Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g