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.Contents1. IntroductionPart One: The Way the World Is 2. Individuality 3. Externality 4. Temporality 5. ObjectivityPart Two: Why the World Is 6. Necessary Being: The Ontological Argument 7. Necessary Being: The Cosmological ArgumentPart 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
Author(s): Peter Van Inwagen
Edition: Third Edition
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 344
0813343569......Page 1
Contents......Page 8
Preface to the Third Edition......Page 10
1. Introduction......Page 12
INTRODUCTION......Page 34
2. Individuality......Page 38
3. Externality......Page 64
4. Temporality......Page 82
5. Objectivity......Page 104
PART TWO: WHY THE WORLD IS......Page 21
INTRODUCTION......Page 120
6. Necessary Being: The Ontological Argument......Page 126
7. Necessary Being: The Cosmological Argument......Page 156
INTRODUCTION......Page 180
8. What Rational Beings Are There?......Page 186
9. The Place of Rational Beings in the World: Design and Purpose......Page 198
10. The Nature of Rational Beings: Dualism and Physicalism......Page 220
11. The Nature of Rational Beings: Dualism and Personal Identity......Page 246
12. The Powers of Rational Beings: Freedom of the Will......Page 264
13. Concluding Meditation......Page 284
Coda: Being......Page 288
Bibliography......Page 326
B......Page 330
C......Page 331
F......Page 332
I......Page 333
L......Page 334
M......Page 335
P......Page 336
S......Page 338
T......Page 339
Y......Page 340
