Unextended Complexes. (14th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pickup, Martin
• Is Part Of: Thought. Volume 5:Number 4(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 264
• Publication Date: 2016-10-14
• Subjects: metaphysics -- extended simples -- mereology -- location -- space -- gunk -- material objects; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Logic -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Theory of -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1002/tht3.221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2161-2234

Abstract

Abstract : Extended simples are fruitfully discussed in metaphysics. They are entities which are located in a complex region of space but do not themselves have parts. In this paper, I will discuss unextended complexes: entities which are not located at a complex region of space but do themselves have parts. In particular, I focus on one type of unextended complex: pointy complexes (entities that have parts but are located at a single point of space). Four areas are indicated where pointy complexes might prove philosophically useful. Unextended complexes are therefore philosophically fruitful, in much the same way as extended simples.