In our research lab, we have developed such a theory: the axiomatic theory of abstract objects and relations. In many ways, this theory is like a machine for detecting abstract objects (hence the name `research lab'), for among the recursively enumerable theorems, there are statements which assert the existence of the abstract objects mentioned above. Moreover, the properties of these abstracta can be formally derived as consequences of the axioms. The theory systematizes ideas of philosophers such as Plato, Leibniz, Frege, Meinong, and Mally. Our results are collated in the document Principia Metaphysica, which is authored by Edward N. Zalta (Ph.D./Philosophy), a Senior Research Scholar at CSLI. An online version of Principia Metaphysica can be found by following the link to The Theory of Abstract Objects (see below). In published work, the theory has been applied to problems in the philosophy of language, intensional logic, the philosophy of mathematics, and the history of philosophy.

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      (Recorded December 1, 1994)

The Theory of Abstract Objects (Summary and Tutorial)

Streaming Video Lecture on the Theory of Abstract Objects
Slides For the Lecture (in PDF)
("Steps Toward a Computational Metaphysics", by Edward N. Zalta and Branden Fitelson, Computing and Philosophy Conference, Oregon State University, August 8, 2003)

Ernst Mally Plato and Meinong

Gottlob Frege Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Metaphysics Research Lab Personnel

• Edward N. Zalta, Senior Research Scholar, CSLI, Stanford University.
  Upcoming Talks:
  • Title to be announced, Center for the Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh, March 2, 2004.
  • "Ontology Without Tears: A Solution to the Problem of Abstract Objects (That Even a Naturalist Could Love)", Department of Philosophy, Carnegie Mellon University, March 4, 2004.
• Uri Nodelman, Ph.D. Student, Computer Science Department, Stanford University
• Colin Allen, (Virtual Member), Professor, Philosophy Department, Texas A&M University
• Branden Fitelson, Assistant Professor, Philosophy Department, University of California/Berkeley
• Bernard Linsky (Virtual Member), Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, U. of Alberta, CANADA
• Christopher Menzel (Virtual Member), Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Texas A&M University
• David Chalmers (Virtual Member), Professor, Philosophy Department, University of Arizona, Tucson

• Sun-Joo Shin (Professor, Philosophy, Yale University)
• Paavo Pylkkanen, Associate Professor, Consciousness Studies Program, Skövde University, SWEDEN
• Anna Bjurman, Doctoral Student, Department of Philosophy, University of Lund, SWEDEN
• Keith Stenning, Professor, Division of Informatics (Human Communication Research Centre), University of Edinburgh, SCOTLAND
• Daniel Nolan, Faculty Fellow, Philosophy Department, Syracuse University
• Greg Restall, Senior Lecturer, Philosophy Department, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
• Christopher Menzel, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Texas A&M University
• Francis Jeffry Pelletier, Professor, Philosophy Department, University of Alberta, CANADA
• Wolfgang Malzkorn, formerly of the Seminar für Logik und Grundlagenforschung, Universität Bonn, GERMANY
• Steven Horst, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Wesleyan University
• Godehard Link, Professor, Institut für Philosophie, Logik, und Wissenschaftstheorie, Universität München, GERMANY
• Edwin Mares, Senior Lecturer, Philosophy Department, Victoria University of Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
• Karl-Georg Niebergall, Assistant Professor, Institut für Philosophie, Logik, und Wissenschaftstheorie, Universität München, GERMANY
• Peter Menzies, Senior Lecturer, Philosophy Department, Macquarie University, AUSTRALIA
• John Bacon, Associate Professor, School of Philosophy, University of Sydney, AUSTRALIA
• Andrew Irvine, Professor, Philosophy Department, University of British Columbia, CANADA
• Christopher Gauker, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, University of Cincinnati
• Mark Textor, Lecturer, Kings College/London, UK
• Kees van Deemter, Research Scientist, Information Technology Research Institute, University of Brighton, UNITED KINGDOM

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