Numbers and other mathematical objects are exceptional in having no locations in space or time or relations of cause and effect. This makes it difficult to account for the possibility of the knowledge of such objects, leading many philosophers to embrace nominalism, the doctrine that there are no such objects, and to embark on ambitious projects for interpreting mathematics so as to preserve the subject while eliminating its objects.A Subject With No Object cuts through a host of technicalities that have obscured previous discussions of these projects, and presents clear, concise accounts, with minimal prerequisites, of a dozen strategies for nominalistic interpretation of mathematics, thus equipping the reader to evaluate each and to compare different ones. The authors also offer critical discussion, rare in the literature, of the aims and claims of nominalistic interpretation, suggesting that it is significant in a very different way from that usually assumed.

Numbers and other mathematical objects are exceptional in having no locations in space or time or relations of cause and effect. This makes it difficult to account for the possibility of the knowledge of such objects, leading many philosophers to embrace nominalism, the doctrine that there are no abstract entities, and to embark on ambitious projects for interpreting mathematics so as to preserve the subject while eliminating its objects. A Subject With No Object cuts through a host of technicalities that have obscured previous discussions of these projects, and presents clear, concise accounts, with minimal prerequisites, of a dozen strategies for nominalistic interpretation of mathematics, thus equipping the reader to evaluate each and to compare different ones. The authors also offer critical discussion, rare in the literature, of the aims and claims of nominalistic interpretation, suggesting that it is significant in a very different way from that usually assumed.

The Norton Introduction to Philosophy is back in a Third Edition, offering an orientation to the discipline that remains unmatched in scope, breadth, and quality. With an expanded selection of readings, more extensive background notes, and engaging reading guides, the Third Edition is designed to resonate with today’s students and spark their interest in philosophy. New essays from contemporary thinkers connect classic philosophical topics—like metaphysics, epistemology, morality, justice, race, and gender—to real-world issues. Available as an affordable, engaging Norton Ebook, this anthology makes philosophy accessible; sharpening students’ critical thinking skills while providing you with robust instructor support.Highlights of the Third Edition’s new content:New: Exclusive commissioned essays from leading philosophers present topics instructors told us they want to teach, at a level suitable for undergraduates. Examples include Michael Patrick Lynch on the value of truth, Ned Hall on causation vs. correlation, Alex Byrne on other minds and artificial intelligence, Jonathan Birch on animal consciousness, Ted Sider on material constitution, Gideon Rosen on ignorance and responsibility, David Wong on relativism, Robert P. George on public morality, and Seana Shiffrin on freedom of speech.New reading selections include David Chalmers on the simulation hypothesis, Hedda Hassel Mørch on panpsychism, Duncan Pritchard on the value of knowledge, Nick Zangwill on the morality of eating meat, and C. A. J. Coady on testimony and observation.New Chapter 14: When Are We Morally Responsible for What We Do? introduces students to leading voices tackling the relationship between morality and ignorance, including Angela Smith, Normy Arpaly, Michele Moody-Adams, and editor Gideon Rosen.New and updated Reader’s Guides accompany 18 of the most challenging selections, providing clear and accessible guidance to help students metabolize what they’ve read.Enhanced pedagogy: The Third Edition offers revised and updated chapter introductions, reading guides, and instructor resources.

Numbers and other mathematical objects are exceptional in having no locations in space or time or relations of cause and effect. This makes it difficult to account for the possibility of the knowledge of such objects, leading many philosophers to embrace nominalism, the doctrine that there are no such objects, and to embark on ambitious projects for interpreting mathematics so as to preserve the subject while eliminating its objects.A Subject With No Object cuts through a host of technicalities that have obscured previous discussions of these projects, and presents clear, concise accounts, with minimal prerequisites, of a dozen strategies for nominalistic interpretation of mathematics, thus equipping the reader to evaluate each and to compare different ones. The authors also offer critical discussion, rare in the literature, of the aims and claims of nominalistic interpretation, suggesting that it is significant in a very different way from that usually assumed.

Numbers and other mathematical objects are exceptional in having no locations in space or time or relations of cause and effect. This makes it difficult to account for the possibility of the knowledge of such objects, leading many philosophers to embrace nominalism, the doctrine that there are no abstract entities, and to embark on ambitious projects for interpreting mathematics so as to preserve the subject while eliminating its objects. A Subject With No Object cuts through a host of technicalities that have obscured previous discussions of these projects, and presents clear, concise accounts, with minimal prerequisites, of a dozen strategies for nominalistic interpretation of mathematics, thus equipping the reader to evaluate each and to compare different ones. The authors also offer critical discussion, rare in the literature, of the aims and claims of nominalistic interpretation, suggesting that it is significant in a very different way from that usually assumed.

The Norton Introduction to Philosophy is back in a Third Edition, offering an orientation to the discipline that remains unmatched in scope, breadth, and quality. With an expanded selection of readings, more extensive background notes, and engaging reading guides, the Third Edition is designed to resonate with today’s students and spark their interest in philosophy. New essays from contemporary thinkers connect classic philosophical topics—like metaphysics, epistemology, morality, justice, race, and gender—to real-world issues. Available as an affordable, engaging Norton Ebook, this anthology makes philosophy accessible; sharpening students’ critical thinking skills while providing you with robust instructor support.Highlights of the Third Edition’s new content:New: Exclusive commissioned essays from leading philosophers present topics instructors told us they want to teach, at a level suitable for undergraduates. Examples include Michael Patrick Lynch on the value of truth, Ned Hall on causation vs. correlation, Alex Byrne on other minds and artificial intelligence, Jonathan Birch on animal consciousness, Ted Sider on material constitution, Gideon Rosen on ignorance and responsibility, David Wong on relativism, Robert P. George on public morality, and Seana Shiffrin on freedom of speech.New reading selections include David Chalmers on the simulation hypothesis, Hedda Hassel Mørch on panpsychism, Duncan Pritchard on the value of knowledge, Nick Zangwill on the morality of eating meat, and C. A. J. Coady on testimony and observation.New Chapter 14: When Are We Morally Responsible for What We Do? introduces students to leading voices tackling the relationship between morality and ignorance, including Angela Smith, Normy Arpaly, Michele Moody-Adams, and editor Gideon Rosen.New and updated Reader’s Guides accompany 18 of the most challenging selections, providing clear and accessible guidance to help students metabolize what they’ve read.Enhanced pedagogy: The Third Edition offers revised and updated chapter introductions, reading guides, and instructor resources.