Metaphysics, 4th Edition
4th Edition
Published on 12. August 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
978-0-8133-4934-3 (ISBN)
Description
With thoughtful and engaging prose, noted scholar Peter van Inwagen provides a comprehensive introduction to metaphysics in this essential text. Metaphysics 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? The thoroughly revised fourth edition includes an updated and rewritten chapter on temporality and significant improvements to the clarity and accessibility of the language, making it an even more valuable text for undergraduate students. Metaphysics remains the quintessential book in this field of study, and a fascinating book for a wide range of readers, from those new to the subject to the most sophisticated philosophers.
Reviews / Votes
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:More details
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United States
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
513 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8133-4934-3 (9780813349343)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Additional editions
Peter van Inwagen
Metaphysics
Book
05/2019
4th Edition
Routledge
€179.51
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition
Peter van Inwagen
Metaphysics
Book
08/2008
3rd Edition
Westview Press Inc
€44.75
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Peter van Inwagen is John Cardinal O'Hara professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he is the author of numerous works, Material Beings (1990), Ontology, Identity, and Modality: Essays in Metaphysics (2001), Christian Faith and the Problem of Evil (2004), Persons: Human and Divine (2008), and Existence: Essays in Ontology (2014).
Content
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