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Syracuse University

Ground and Relative Fundamentality

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Ground is a distinctively metaphysical notion of explanation. Often expressed with the phrase `in virtue of', ground has recently found some popularity among metaphysicians. In this dissertation I argue that the notion is well understood and useful, but not primitive. I argue that we should analyze ground partly in terms of relative fundamentality. This analyzed notion of ground can not only do the work that a primitive notion can, but it is better equipped to respond to a number of objections and challenges that the notion faces. The dissertation ends by demonstrating this is the case and responding to objections.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Philosophy
Year
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Barber, Mark Graeme
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Mark Heller

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://surface.syr.edu/etd/46
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:surface.syr.edu:etd-1046

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Syracuse University
Base URL
surface.syr.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Barber, Mark Graeme. Ground and Relative Fundamentality. Dissertation thesis, 2014. https://surface.syr.edu/etd/46