On the problem of vague existence

The aim of this work is to investigate the problem of vague existence. After a description of the framework and the methods of this inquiry (Preface), we outline some influential arguments where the problem seems to be involved (Introduction). By means of the analysis of these and other arguments, we will show how the problem is linked to the debates on composition (Chapter 1), persistence (Chapter 2) and identity (Chapter 3). We will see why the notion of vague existence provided in such debates does not seem to be adequate. This conviction is supported also by the analysis of five traditional paradoxes related to this topic (Chapter 4), where we do not find a proper example of vague existence. This will enable us to underline some necessary conditions for having a case of vague existence. Finally, we will try to provide an account for reasoning about the problem using some notions of the debates previously examined (Chapter 5).