An Introduction to Metametaphysics (Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy) by Tuomas E. Tahko

by Tuomas E. Tahko

How do we come to know metaphysical truths? How does metaphysical inquiry work? Are metaphysical debates substantial? These are the questions which characterize metametaphysics. This book, the first systematic student introduction dedicated to metametaphysics, discusses the nature of metaphysics - its methodology, epistemology, ontology and our access to metaphysical knowledge. It provides students with a firm grounding in the basics of metametaphysics, covering a broad range of topics in metaontology such as existence, quantification, ontological commitment and ontological realism. Contemporary views are discussed along with those of Quine, Carnap and Meinong. Going beyond the metaontological debate, thorough treatment is given to novel topics in metametaphysics, including grounding, ontological dependence, fundamentality, modal epistemology, intuitions, thought experiments and the relationship between metaphysics and science. The book will be an essential resource for those studying advanced metaphysics, philosophical methodology, metametaphysics, epistemology and the philosophy of science.

Genres: Philosophy, Metaphysics

Paperback Bunko

First published November 30, 2015

About the author

Tuomas Tahko is Professor of Metaphysics of Science at the University of Bristol. He has worked in Bristol since 2018. Before that, he worked at the University of Helsinki for seven years.

Tahko has also been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Sydney, University of Toronto, University of Reading, New York University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the eidos Centre in Metaphysics of the University of Geneva. He earned an MA in philosophy from Helsinki in 2005 and a PhD in philosophy from Durham in 2008 (under E.J. Lowe's supervision), where he remained as a Visiting Research Fellow for two years, before coming back to Finland,

Tahko's work is mostly in analytic metaphysics and his primary research interests concern the metaphysics and epistemology of modality, methodology of metaphysics, essence, natural kinds, laws of nature, and a priori knowledge. Additional research interests include epistemology, philosophical logic, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and history of philosophy (Aristotle).

For further information, see his website: www.ttahko.net

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of two introductions to metametaphysics that I am aware of (the other being the latter half of Berto and Plebani's "Ontology and Metaontology." In my opinion, Tahko's attempt is slightly superior, tackling the topic with more breadth and narrative. (Although to be fair, Berto/Plebani only had half a book to do so).

Metametaphysics is essentially a condensed term for a zoomed out look at the entire field of metaphysics as a whole. (issues in metaphysics, the philosophy of metaphysics, etc.) Tahko gives a nice glance at many of the current stances and disagreements in the field, including how to conduct ontology, how quantification works, and most importantly what metaphysics is actually supposed to do. A core theme of the book is how metaphysics interacts with science, namely physics, and what role it is supposed to play in that relationship. Tahko did a wonderful job relaying the existential crisis that the field currently struggles with in regards to the relevance and actual use of metaphysics. This element can be a bit disconcerting to anyone with an interest in the topic. But at the end, I felt it really didn't matter outside the scope of philosophers justifying their work. Metaphysics, to those who enjoy it, is fun. It's fun to think about and talk about. And these are the things, according to Aristotle, we are supposed to move toward in life.

Tahko is a solid, efficient writer, although he lacks the playfulness and clarity of some others in the field (Priest, Sider, van Inwagen). To his credit, English is at best a second language and he does an excellent job of weaving through a complex topic. Overall, outside of the student population, I would recommend this to anyone with a serious interest in contemporary metaphysics.