New Books in Philosophy Amie Thomasson, "Rethinking Metaphysics" (Oxford UP, 2025)
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Nov 10, 2025 Amie Thomasson, the Daniel P. Stone Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy at Dartmouth College, advocates for a fresh take on metaphysics in her latest book. She argues that traditional metaphysical approaches often misclassify how our concepts function, advocating instead for conceptual engineering. Thomasson critiques the notion of truthmakers and emphasizes the need for tailored conceptual frameworks that address specific discourses. She also discusses the balance between philosophical and empirical work, navigating the complexities of language and reality.
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From Student To Metaphysician
- Thomasson began in metaphysics after a first-semester college class and stayed hooked.
- Her early work on fiction and ordinary objects led to meta-metaphysical questions.
Metaphysics Can Be Deflated
- Thomasson argues many metaphysical questions (existence, modality) can be deflated by conceptual and empirical work.
- She claims we don't need mysterious metaphysical entities to answer these questions.
Broad View Of Conceptual Engineering
- Conceptual engineering includes reverse-engineering, repair, and construction of concepts.
- Thomasson likens it to engineering tasks like retrofitting, assessing, and designing systems.
