Determinism and Ontology

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“Determinism and Ontology.” International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 9 (1995) 85-101.

(published version)

Abstract. In the philosophical literature, there are two common criteria for a physical theory to be deterministic. The older one is due to the logical empiricists, and is a purely formal criterion. The newer one can be found in the work of John Earman and David Lewis and depends on the intended interpretation of the theory. In this paper I argue that the former must be rejected, and something like the latter adopted. I then discuss the relevance of these points to the current debate over the hole argument.

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