As Franklin reminds us, it is a failing of mathematics programs that they typically offer no courses on mathematics. They have courses on algebra, calculus, probability and so on, “but no course offering a conspectus of the subject.” In The Necessities Underlying Reality, Franklin goes one better. Not only does he explain how necessities underly mathematics in toto, he suggests that it is these same necessities that are key to understanding a much broader range of phenomena. It is a suggestion that is sure to prompt debate.

Andrew Irvine, Professor of Philosophy, University of British Columbia, Canada

Without talking down to his readers, Franklin explains Aristotelian-style realism and its implications for our understanding of everything, from maths through logic to ethics. It's an exhilarating ride - wonderfully illuminating about what really matters - in particular for someone brought up in post-modernism's attitude of suspicion about everything

Bernadette Tobin, Australian Catholic University, Australia

We all knew that James Franklin's philosophical rage was broad; now we can see how it all comes together. The Necessities Underlying Reality shows us that Franklin is a systematic philosopher. It argues for a realist theory of modality that spans mathematics, metaphysical modality, and morality. It is philosophically ambitious in Armstrongian vein and written in Franklin's direct, no-nonsense style. As such, it is an important new instalment of Aristotelian realism. For the metaphysician and moral philosopher alike, the reading of this book is itself a necessity

Professor Peter Anstey, Australian Catholic University, Australia