Metaphysics (Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy) - Softcover

Loux, Michael J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138639346 ISBN 13: 9781138639348

Publisher: Routledge, 2017

Synopsis

Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction is for students who have already completed an introductory philosophy course and need a fresh look at the central topics in the core subject of metaphysics. It is essential reading for any student of the subject. This Fourth Edition is revised and updated and includes two new chapters on (1) Parts and Wholes, and (2) Metaphysical Indeterminacy or vagueness. This new edition also keeps the user-friendly format, the chapter overviews summarizing the main topics, concrete examples to clarify difficult concepts, annotated further reading at the end of each chapter, endnotes, and a full bibliography.

Topics addressed include:

• the problem of universals
• the nature of abstract entities
• the problem of individuation
• the nature of modality
• identity through time
• the nature of time
• the nature of parts and wholes
• the problem of metaphysical indeterminacy
• the Realism/anti-Realism debate.

Wherever possible, Michael J. Loux and Thomas M. Crisp relate contemporary views to their classical sources in the history of philosophy. As experienced teachers of philosophy and important contributors to recent debates, Loux and Crisp are uniquely qualified to write this book.

About this title

About the Author:

Michael J. Loux is Shuster Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is also editor of Metaphysics: Contemporary Readings, designed to accompany this textbook and also published by Routledge. His book Substance and Attribute (1978) is one of the major metaphysics books of recent years.

Thomas M. Crisp is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Biola University. He has published widely on topics in metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion.

Review:

"Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction more than merits its fourth edition. It is a valuable text for graduate students and advanced undergraduates . . . . After reading Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction, I felt wistful for grand designs, for the majesty of an Aristotle or Spinoza. But I also felt excited by the modern effort to clear the conceptual debris that system builders leave behind. When a book of philosophy elicits such complex feelings, it is a testament to its value."

--Dana Delibovi in Teaching Philosophy

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1138639346
• ISBN 13: 9781138639348
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 372
• Editor: Crisp Thomas M.