The paradox of process metaphysics

Friso Timmenga

doi:10.59391/inscriptions.v7i2.228

Authors

Friso Timmenga University of Groningen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8487-4295

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59391/inscriptions.v7i2.228

Keywords:

process philosophy, relation, difference, Harman, dialethism

Abstract

This essay critically discusses the rising interest in process philosophy in recent years. I argue that the appeal of process philosophy lies in its ability to circumnavigate the binary dichotomies pervasive in European philosophy and defend an interpretation of process philosophy in terms of relationality, difference, and change. After outlining the central tenets of process philosophy, Graham Harman’s critique of a relational account of process philosophy is examined, particularly his assertion that this type of philosophy cannot fully explain genuine change. Despite the merits of Harman’s critique, I will show that his object-oriented ontology faces similar limitations. Turning to Graham Priest’s dialethism I suggest that philosophy, instead of striving for a consistent representation of fundamental metaphysics, must embrace paradox to some extent. This leads the philosophical discipline to understand itself as a transformative process.

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