SHARE Magazine, Philosophy Sharing Foundation, Issue 21 | January 2025

Book Review

This Town: A Complete Metaphysics

Author: Thomas O. Scarborough

Publisher: Resource Publications 

Year: 2023

By Valdeli Pereira


Thomas O. Scarborough, a philosopher known for his work on holism, will be deliv­ering the Annual Philosophy Lecture of the Philosophy Sharing Foundation in Malta this coming March. This ev­ent provides a timely oppor­tunity to explore his recent work, This Town: A Complete Metaphysics, which offers a thought-provoking explora­tion of existence through the lens of a single, seemingly ordinary town. 

Scarborough's book is a carefully structured exploration, divided into  a  series of vignetes that reflect various aspects of life in This Town. Although the illustrated format may initially suggest that it is aimed at a younger audience, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a sophisticated philosophical work. The book consists of eight interconnected chapters that delve into the following meta­physical themes: language, ethics, reality, abstraction, meaning, God, holism and becoming. 

The author's narrative style evokes classical metaphysical inqui­ries, yet it introduces a fresh perspective. By grounding abstract ideas in the tangible world of This Town, Scarborough renders complex concepts accessible without diluting their intellectual rigour. His prose is both poetic and precise, enriched with imagery that breathes life into the town and its inhabitants to life. This vivid  storytelling  is  a  key  strength  of the book, keeping readers engaged while promoting deep reflections on profound philoso­phical questions.

Used by permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers, 
www.wipfandstock.com 

Scarborough utilises a trialogue format—two people and their environment—to explore issues of existence, identity, purpose, and reality. The town itself becomes a microcosm of the universe, with each chapter serving as a piece of a larger metaphysical puz­zle. This approach allows Scarborough to examine topics such as causality, time, and the nature of the self, often challenging readers' preconceptions.

The characters in This Town are not simply individuals but repre­sentations of metaphysical principles. Their lives reflect the broad­er philosophical inquires the book undertakes. The town, with its layout, history, and daily rhythms, almost functions as a character in its own right, contributing significantly to the overarching meta­physical narrative. The book’s ability to blend the mundane with the profound is one of the most compelling features, keeping the readers anchored while exploring grand ideas.

This Town is not a light read as it demands active engagement and reflection. Some readers may find the philosophical depth challenging, especially if they are not familiar with metaphysical discourse. However, those who commit to the book will find a re­warding  and  enriching  experience.  Scarborough's  work illuminates the human condition and stands as a significant contribution to contemporary metaphysical literature.

In summary, This Town: A Complete Metaphysics stands out in the way Scarborough weaves complex philosophical ideas into a com­pelling and accessible narrative that challenges, enlightens, and transforms the reader's understanding of existence. For those interested in metaphysics or philosophical fiction, this book is a must-read. 

Valdeli Pereira is a philosophy graduate and editor of SHARE.

Used by permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers, 
www.wipfandstock.com 

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Click here to book a seat for my Annual Philosophy Lecture on Holism: Buy Tickets.
This Town: A Complete Metaphysics is available at: Amazon | Kindle.

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