Metaphysics

by Peter van Inwagen

Overview

This book is an introduction to metaphysics and it presupposes no previous acquaintance with philosophy. Updates include extensive rewriting of the chapter on time, enhanced clarity throughout the text, updated notes and suggested reading throughout.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032409153
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/22/2024
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	332
Sales rank:	300,335
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Peter van Inwagen is the John Cardinal O'Hara Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame and research professor of Philosophy at Duke University. He is the author of An Essay on Free Will (1983), Material Beings (1990), Being: A Study in Ontology (2022), and seven other books. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Gifford Lecturer, and the recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Fifth Edition 1. Introduction Part I: The Way the World is 2. Individuality 3. Externality 4. Temporality 5. Objectivity Part II: Why the World is 6. Necessary Being: The Ontological Argument 7. Necessary Being: The Cosmological Argument Part III: The Inhabitants of the World 8. What Rational Beings Are There? 9. The Place of Rational beings in the World: Design and Purpose 10. The Nature of Rational Beings: Dualism and Physicalism 11. The Nature of Rational Beings: Dualism and Personal Identity 12. The Powers of Rational Beings: Freedom of the Will 13. Concluding Meditation Coda: Being

Editorial Reviews

Praise for the fourth edition:

"It is very challenging to present the ideas and arguments of metaphysics in a way that undergraduates can follow, but van Inwagen not only does so with perspicuity, but also with great insight and rigor."
—Gordon Pettit, Western Illinois University

"The exposition throughout is a model of clarity, and it is remarkable how much ground is covered. There is a precision and efficiency of expression that is impressive. Metaphysics is a first-rate text, and the author is a master of the field."
—Jenann Ismael, University of Arizona

“Metaphysics is a very helpful introduction to a difficult area in philosophy, and any library that does not have this book should get it. . . . the clarity of the writing makes this volume extremely useful to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and those faculty who are interested in these issues but have only a passing acquaintance with them. Highly recommended.” —Choice

Praise for prior editions:

From the Publisher