Individuals and points (Q1078550)

This paper presents an axiomatic system of mereology, where the basic individuals are space-time regions and 'x is connected with y' is taken as a primitive relation. The calculus is enriched with pseudo-Boolean and pseudo-topological operators (the system does not have a null element). Points are then defined by sets of spatio-temporal regions satisfying certain algebraic conditions. Temporal order between points is also treated in an axiomatic way. The intuitive motivation for the definitions and theorems is clearly spelled out. Clarifying comparisons to the earlier work by Whitehead, Russell, de Laguna, Nicod, Menger, Tarski, and the author himself is given.