These nine essays are largely concerned with the theory of meaning and references—semantics. At the same time adjacent portions of phil osophy and logic are discussed. To the existence of what objects may a given scientific theory be said to be committed? And what considerations may suitably guide us in accepting or revising such ontological commitments? These are among the questions dealt with in this book, particular attention being devoted to the role of abstract entities in mathematics. There is speculation on the mechanism whereby objects of one sort or another come to be posited a process in which the notion of identity plays an important part.

Does the existence of evil call into doubt the existence of God? Show me the argument. Philosophy starts with questions, but attempts at answers are just as important, and these answers require reasoned argument. Cutting through dense philosophical prose, 100 famous and influential arguments are presented in their essence, with premises, conclusions and logical form plainly identified. Key quotations provide a sense of style and approach. Just the Arguments is an invaluable one-stop argument shop. * A concise, formally structured summation of 100 of the most important arguments in Western philosophy* The first book of its kind to present the most important and influential philosophical arguments in a clear premise/conclusion format, the language that philosophers use and students are expected to know* Offers succinct expositions of key philosophical arguments without bogging them down in commentary* Translates difficult texts to core arguments* Designed to provides a quick and compact reference to everything from Aquinas' “Five Ways" to prove the existence of God, to the metaphysical possibilities of a zombie world* Visit www.justthearguments.com, the editor's site for students, teachers, researchers, and fans of philosophy