First published in 1998, this volume aims to counter the paradoxes of causality and induction as presented by empirical scepticism, though the work is not a dry critique of others' efforts in this area. In order to address these issues, the author presents his instinctive belief in the interconnectedness of the world's elements from a conceptual point of view. The work is not epistemological, but metaphysical and logical, and the assumptions are made in these areas. The principal concept is "membership", which appears in logic, language and metaphysics. Truth, existence and reference are shown to be forms of membership and, as such, invalid concepts. The famous paradoxes stretch from that of the liar to Russell's result from this misconception, which is responsible for the paradoxes of causality and induction.
1. Necessary Connection: the ‘World’ Argument. 2. Paradoxes of Existence. 3. The Existential Fallacy. 4. The Positive Exposition. 5. The Descriptive World.
Biography
Garvin Rampersad was born in Trinidad, West Indies, and came to the UK in 1961 with his mother, siblings and grandmother. He began a degree at Keele University but did not complete it. Rampersad began writing The End of Existence whilst in prison. The book was to take 20 years to complete. First published in 1998, it was reissued as Routledge Revival in 2020. The material which went on to become his second book, Mental Fight, which describes the completion of The End of Existence, won the Koestler Award in 2008. Garvin Rampersad holds a degree in Philosophy from Birkbeck College, University of London.
'Garvin Rampersad skilfully, and in analytic philosophical style, proposes a solution to metaphysical puzzles and paradoxes concerning the foundations of the world around us. He presents his original ideas in clear, jargon-free language. Don't be fooled however, this is no easy read. Chapter 3, which unpacks Classes & Membership and The Liar Paradox among others, is particularly demanding but I recommend that readers keep striving. Philosophy undergraduates - particularly those interested in metaphysics and/or logic - as well as anyone with an interest in the philosophy of science, induction, or simply how the world is, will find much their mind awakened by Garvin Rampersad's illuminating arguments. Existence is a paradigm and the 'End of Existence' represents a paradigm shift. As a concept it is a bold move, you'll need time to digest this. A challenging but original read. 5/5'
Mandy Saunders, Masters graduate in philosophy
'...extremely stimulating - the reader is provoked to ask what supports the conventional philosophical wisdom.' Sebastian Gardner, Bikbeck College, University of London, UK.
'Garvin Rampersad writes well and on a level of huge metaphysical ambition...It would be no bad thing if there were more challenges of this kind to our professional certainties.' David Wiggins, New College, University of Oxford, UK.
'...an original and important piece of philosophy, which deserves careful and considered reading....Highly recommended.' Gary Retallick, King's College London, UK.
'...a brilliantly insightful read... very thought provoking...' Robin Heskwith via Amazon
