The Problem of Fiction

Abstract

Markus Gabriel’s Fictions is an attempt to accord the concept of fiction its proper place within the ontological architecture of being. Gabriel argues against both philosophers who treat fiction as mere amusement, and against science that dismisses fiction because unquantifiable. Rejecting such views, Gabriel argues for the political and social significance of fictions. Thus, the book shows that a more substantive concept of fiction is needed if we are to tackle our contemporary problems of misinformation and fake news. Sometimes baffling in its conclusions, at the very least Fictions sets the tone for future discussions of an increasingly important topic.