Metaphysics

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 >

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

This essential core text introduces readers to metaphysics. In thoughtful and engaging prose, the author 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. --Back cover "This core text introduces readers to metaphysics. 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."--Jacket Preface to the Third Edition ix; 1 Introduction 1; PART ONE: THE WAY THE WORLD IS 23; INTRODUCTION 23; 2 Individuality 27; 3 Externality 53; 4 Temporality 71; 5 Objectivity 93; PART TWO: WHY THE WORLD IS 109; INTRODUCTION 109; 6 Necessary Being: The Ontological Argument 115; 7 Necessary Being: The Cosmological Argument 145; PART THREE: THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD 169; INTRODUCTION 169; 8 What Rational Beings Are There? 175; 9 The Place of Rational Beings in the World: Design and Purpose 187; 10 The Nature of Rational Beings: Dualism and Physicalism 209 This core text introducing readers to the field of metaphysics is now revised and updated with a new chapter on being.