Fiction and Fictionalism (New Problems of Philosophy)

Are fictional characters such as Sherlock Holmes real? What can fiction tell us about the nature of truth and reality? In this excellent introduction to the problem of fictionalism Mark Sainsbury covers the following key topics: What is fiction? Realism about fictional objects, including the arguments that fictional objects are real but non-existent; real but non-factual; real but non-concrete The relationship between fictional characters and non-actual worlds Fictional entities as abstract artifacts Fiction and intentionality and the problem of irrealism Fictionalism about possible worlds Moral fictionalismMark Sainsbury makes extensive use of examples from fiction, such as Sherlock Holmes, Anna Karenina and Madame de Bovary and examines the work of philosophers who have made significant contributions to the topic, including Meinong, David Lewis, and Bas Van Fraassen. Additional features include chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary of technical terms, making Fiction and Fictionalism ideal for those coming to the problem for the first time.Sainsbury, Mark is the author of 'Fiction and Fictionalism (New Problems of Philosophy)', published 2009 under ISBN 9780415774352 and ISBN 0415774357.