Abstract
This paper raises and defends three classes of objections to Ted Sider's argument from vagueness in his recent work, Four-Dimensionalism. The first class argues that Sider's case for four-dimensionalism is superfluous, that is, “mereologically promiscuous three-dimensionalists” can accept his argument yet maintain a compatible variety of three-dimensionalism that accepts the existence of temporal parts as improper parts of otherwise enduring wholes. Second, Sider's argument begs the question of unrestricted composition by presupposing an unrestricted conception of objecthood that the three-dimensionalist can freely reject. Finally, Sider's project offends ontology by undermining a deep ontological distinction between temporal existence and extension. Even assuming that any defense of this distinction will be circular, Sider's account contradicts our commonsense and reflective thought concerning existence without sufficient reason to justify this revision. Since three-dimensionalism can preserve our distinctions in conjunction with granting existence to temporal parts, it is to be preferred.
Recommended Citation
Anthony, Mike
(2023)
"Improper Parts, Restricted Existence, and Use: Three Arguments against Ted Sider's Four-Dimensionalism,"
International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/ijurca/vol2/iss2/2