Metaphysics in Science

This book presents work at the forefront of scholarly debate about the relevance of substantial metaphysical theories to science.

• Responds in particular to recent publications by Brian Ellis on scientific essentialism, especially on the topics of laws, natural kinds and realism.
• Contains a new paper by Brian Ellis, commentary and criticism from philosophers on Ellis's work, and a reply by Ellis to his critics.

1. Physical Realism: Brian Ellis.

2. Scientific Realism and Metaphysics: Stathis Psillos.

3. Kinds and Essences: John Heil.

4. Kinds, Essences and Powers: Stephen Mumford.

5. Laws and Essences: Alexander Bird.

6. Universals, the Essential Problem and Categorical Properties: Brian Ellis

Alice Drewery is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Reading, and the author of articles on philosophy of science, philosophy of language and metaphysics. She is a member of the committee of the British Society for the Philosophy of Science, and an associate editor of the journal Ratio. This book presents work at the forefront of contemporary scholarly debate about the relevance of substantial metaphysical theories to science. It comprises a series of original papers engaging with issues currently at the centre of this debate and responds in particular to two recent books by Brian Ellis on scientific essentialism, especially on the necessity of laws of nature, the nature of natural kinds and the nature of scientific realism. The collection contains a new paper by Ellis himself, as well as commentary and criticism from prominent philosophers in the field. It concludes with a reply by Ellis to some of his critics.