An Introduction To P.F.Strawson's Analysis And Metaphysics

P. F.Strawson was a very important philosopher in ordinary language philosophy; he used analytic method to research metaphysical problems, and changed traditional analytic philosophy's anti-metaphysic attitude. This attitude, combining analysis with metaphysics, is embodies not only on his philosophical viewpoints but also on philosophical methods. This thesis through remarks on one of his books named Analysis and Metaphysics to show how can develop the steps from analysis to descriptive metaphysics. Depending on this main point, it also makes some comments on Strawson's other philosophical opinions and arguments with some other philosophers.This thesis contains four chapters:Chapterâ… is the start point of this thesis, and also the start point of Strawson's philosophy. It mainly states Strawson's view on the concept of analysis and the analytic methods, and also introduces the argument between Strawson and B.Russell.Chapterâ…¡is mainly an interpretation of some concepts after used Strawson's analytic method, and the difference between Strawson's opinions and the classical empiricism. Then it makes comments on Strawson's view on the priority of concepts.Chapterâ…¢is the main part of this thesis .It states the basic concepts and concept structure. Those are two necessary keystones of the descriptive metaphysics. This part pays more attention on the analysis of two basic particulars: material body and person. It also explains the constitution of concept structure. The descriptive metaphysics is the exhibition of this structure. Through this exhibition Strawson try to introduce metaphysics into analytic philosophy.Chapterâ…£is mainly an introduction of Strawson's other philosophical opinions such as causation and explanation, and the comments on Strawson' philosophy.