Bertrand Russell's Bundle Theory of Particulars

Winner of the 2015 Bertrand Russell Society Book Award

Bertrand Russell's Bundle Theory of Particulars presents and evaluates Russell's arguments for two competing theories on the nature of particulars at different stages in his career: the substratum theory of particulars (1903-1913) and the bundle theory of particulars (1940-1948).

Through its original focus on Russell's little known metaphysics in the later part of his career, this study explains why Russell's theory of particulars is relevant today. It argues that a Russellian realist bundle theory is indeed the best explanation of similarities and differences that we observe around us thanks to the ontological economy such a theory provides and its strength and completeness as a theory of the nature of reality.

Tackling the major criticisms levelled against the realist bundle theory - the problem of individuation, the problem of necessity, and the problem of analyticity - this study presents and defends a tenable Russellian bundle theory which can answer the objections. Bertrand Russell's Bundle Theory of Particulars is a novel and significant contribution to Russell scholarship.

Preface
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction: Setting the metaphysical scene
Chapter 1 The substratum theory (1903–1940)
Chapter 2 The bundle theory (1940–1948)
Chapter 3 The epistemology of the bundles: non-demonstrative inference
Chapter 4 The problem of individuation
Chapter 5 The problem of necessity
Chapter 6 The problem of analyticity
Chapter 7 Neutral monism
Chapter 8 Logical atomism
Conclusion

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