Metaphysics - Softcover

Van Inwagen, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813343569 ISBN 13: 9780813343563

Publisher: Westview Press, 2008

Synopsis

This essential core text introduces readers to metaphysics. In thoughtful and engaging prose, Peter van Inwagen examines 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 third edition includes an entirely new chapter on ontology. The new chapter presents a theory of the nature of being and proceeds to apply this theory to two problems of ontology: the problem of non-existent objects and the problem of universals. Equally valuable as a textbook in a university course or an introduction to metaphysical thinking for the interested layperson, Metaphysics remains a fascinating book for a wide range of readers, from first-time students to the most sophisticated philosophers.

Contents

1. Introduction

Part One: The Way the World Is
2. Individuality
3. Externality
4. Temporality
5. Objectivity

Part Two: Why the World Is
6. Necessary Being: The Ontological Argument
7. Necessary Being: The Cosmological Argument

Part Three: 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
14. Coda: Being

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The traditional problems of philosophy take on new meaning and different color in the light of each generation's unique character. It is not only the history of philosophy that must be reexamined; the same is true for our understanding of any philosophical problem or topic.

About the Author:

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 books, including Ontology, Identity, and Modality and Christian Faith and the Problem of Evil.

About this edition

• Publisher: Westview Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0813343569
• ISBN 13: 9780813343563
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 344