Contingent Metaphysics and the A Priori

• Applicant: Dr. Jacek Jerzy Brzozowski
• Subject Area: Theoretical Philosophy
• Term: from 2010 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 190736349

Much of metaphysics is seen as the discovery of certain necessary truths (for example, the conditions under which objects compose further objects, the nature of persistence through time, truths of mathematics, etc.). Upon reflection it is however unclear what the source of this necessity is meant to be, and therefore how it is that these are necessary and not merely contingent truths. If this threat of contingency is wide-spread, the importance of metaphysical enquiry is seriously undermined, as the project will make clear. By looking closer at the arguments for contingentism and at the role of the a priori in metaphysical enquiry, the necessity of metaphysical truths will be placed on a firm foundation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants