Parts A Study in Ontology [Paperback]

Although the relationship of part to whole is one of the most fundamental there is, this is the first full-length study of this key concept. Showing that mereology, or the formal theory of part and whole, is essential to ontology, Simons surveys and critiques previous theories--especially the standard extensional view--and proposes a new account that encompasses both temporal and modal considerations. Simons's revised theory not only allows him to offer fresh solutions to long-standing problems, but also has far-reaching consequences for our understanding of a host of classical philosophical concepts.

Introduction;Part 1Existensional Part-Whole Theory; 1. Concepts and Principles of Extensional Mereology; 2. Survey of Extensional Mereology; 3. Problems; 4. Occurrents, Classes, and Masses;Part IIMereology of Continuants; 5. Temporary Parts and Intermittent Existence; 6. Superposition, Composition, and Matter;Part IIIEssence, Dependence, and Integrity; 7. Essential Parts; 8. Ontological Dependence; 9. Integral Wholes; Concluding Remarks; Bibliography; Index.

A clear and careful work both in metaphysics and in the history and logic of mereology....Simons's care and precision and his sensitivity to fine distinctions are what make the book a success. --The Philosophical Review