Metaphysics

by Peter van Inwagen

Overview

This book covers the gamut of historical and contemporary arguments of metaphysics, engaging readers through three profound questions: what are the most general features of the world, why is there a world and what is the place of human beings in the world?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032409160
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/22/2024
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	332
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 Fourth Edition — Introduction — The Way the World is — Individuality — Externality — Temporality — Objectivity — Why the World is — Necessary Being: The Ontological Argument — Necessary Being: The Cosmological Argument — The Inhabitants of the World — What Rational Beings are there? — The Place of Rational Beings in the World — The Nature of Rational Beings — The Nature Of Rational Beings: Dualism and Personal Identity — The Powers of Rational Beings: Freedom of the Will — 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