In this book Eli Hirsch identifies and explores a `new' philosophical problem. Hirsch calls this new problem `the division problem'. This is defined as the problem of explaining why our language divides up reality in one way rather than another, or what the rational basis is for our language to contain certain kinds of general words rather than others. Hirsch shows that a language can be constructed which describes reality in ways we would find absurdly irrational, for example by classifying normally disparate items under the same general term. Having demonstrated that this newly identified problem is in fact a serious one which cannot be easily solved or brushed aside, Hirsch offers his own suggestions for a possible solution.
ReviewsImportant and challenging, and covers much territory.... Hirsch leads us through the heart of metaphysics, [leaving] his special mark on all the topics he touches. I'd put it on the Metaphysician's Must Read list. * Philosophy and Phenomenological Research *
Book InformationISBN 9780195111422
Author Eli HirschFormat Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Oxford University Press IncPublisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 406g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 154mm * 20mm