Date of Award
August 2017
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Philosophy
Advisor(s)
Kristopher McDaniel
Keywords
Epistemology, Explanation, Justification, Metaphysics, Methodology, Naturalism
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities
Abstract
In my dissertation, I focus primarily on the justification for beliefs in the sorts of propositions that are the focus of scrutiny and debate in contemporary analytic metaphysics. I develop a theory of justification that revolves around the explanatory fit between a metaphysical theory and its evidence. I go on to defend the view that beliefs in contemporary analytic metaphysics are justified against skeptics, many of whom identify with the logical empiricist tradition. Finally, I offer some suggestions as to how metaphysics as a discipline can progress by examining the methodology of metaphysics and arguing how empirical work can potentially move metaphysics forward.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Lee, James Soo, "A Metaphysician's User Guide: The Epistemology of Metaphysics" (2017). Dissertations - ALL. 765.
https://surface.syr.edu/etd/765
