Metaphysics
Metaphysics is central to the research of a number of Manchester philosophers. A central area of interest is the metaphysics of thought. Graham Stevens’ work on propositions is influenced both by Russell and by contemporary work in philosophical semantics; Julian Dodd has written on the relation between propositions and facts in connection with the identity theory of truth; Sean Crawford is investigating the prospects for a multiple-relation theory of judgement.
Truthmaker theory is another focus of interest: Chris Daly, Julian Dodd, and David Liggins all work on this topic, developing a distinctively Mancunian scepticism about the movement. This has led them to investigate the notion of metaphysical grounding.
Other topics in ontology are studied by Thomas Smith (groups and institutions), Chris Daly (mathematics and modality), Julian Dodd (the ontology of music), David Liggins (mathematics, modality, and material composition), and Ann Whittle (properties). Ann also works on causation, laws of nature and the existence of free will. Cynthia Macdonald has written on the nature of metaphysics, and on many topics in ontology, including persons, substances, events, supervenience, and causation.
See related pages: philosophy of language, aesthetics, history of philosophy, Philosophy of Science, philosophy of mind