235083

(2015) Synthese 192 (5).

Inconsistent boundaries

Zach Weber , A J Cotnoir

pp. 1267-1294

Mereotopology is a theory of connected parts. The existence of boundaries, as parts of everyday objects, is basic to any such theory; but in classical mereotopology, there is a problem: if boundaries exist, then either distinct entities cannot be in contact, or else space is not topologically connected (Varzi in Noûs 31:26–58, 1997). In this paper we urge that this problem can be met with a paraconsistent mereotopology, and sketch the details of one such approach. The resulting theory focuses attention on the role of empty parts, in delivering a balanced and bounded metaphysics of naive space.

Publication details

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-014-0614-z

Full citation:

Weber, Z. , Cotnoir, A.J. (2015). Inconsistent boundaries. Synthese 192 (5), pp. 1267-1294.

This document is unfortunately not available for download at the moment.