Logical Properties

The concepts of identity, existence, predication, necessity, and truth are at the centre of philosophy and have rightly received sustained attention. Yet Colin McGinn believes that orthodox views of these topics are misguided in important ways. Philosophers and logicians have often distorted the nature of these concepts in an attempt to define them according to preconceived ideas. Logical Properties aims to respect the ordinary ways we talk and think when weemploy these concepts, while at the same time showing that they are far more interesting and peculiar than some have supposed. There are real properties corresponding to these concepts - logical properties - that challenge naturalistic metaphysical views. These are not pseudo-properties or mere pieces ofsyntax. Logical Properties is written with the minimum of formal apparatus and deals with logico-linguistic issues as well as ontological ones. The focus is on trying to get to the essence of what the concept concerned stands for, and not merely finding some established notation for providing formal paraphrases.

The writing is indeed crisp, engaging, and free of formalisms ... there is so much of interest in McGinn's book, and its lively style and provocative proposals will no doubt stimulate further work on our "conceptual bedrock"., There is much food for thought in McGinn's discussions and each chapter is rich with a series of considerations for thinking that the currently received views on the various topics have some serious difficulties that need confronting ... For those interested in metaphysics and the philosophy of logic, this book will stimulate much further thought, The sweep of the book is broad and the pace is brisk ... There is much material here to provide the basis for many a deep philosophical discussion, Lucid and provocative little book ... clear, direct and well argued

Colin McGinn is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University, New York.