Metaphysics
豆瓣
Fourth Edition
Peter Van Inwagen
简介
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.
contents
Preface to the Fourth Edition
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
Bibliography
Index