Metaphysics - Softcover

Van Inwagen, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813349346 ISBN 13: 9780813349343

Publisher: Routledge, 2014

Synopsis

This book 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?

About this title

Review:

Praise for the fourth edition:

"It is very challenging to present the ideas and arguments of metaphysics in a way that undergraduates can follow, but van Inwagen not only does so with perspicuity, but also with great insight and rigor."
--Gordon Pettit, Western Illinois University

"The exposition throughout is a model of clarity, and it is remarkable how much ground is covered. There is a precision and efficiency of expression that is impressive. "Metaphysics" is a first-rate text, and the author is a master of the field."
--Jenann Ismael, University of Arizona

Praise for prior editions:

"Peter van Inwagen's "Metaphysics" is a terrific upper division text--accessible, engaging, wide ranging, challenging, provocative. Chock full of everyday examples that, upon analysis, reveal intriguing puzzles and perplexities, proposed solutions to which are subject to imaginative and rigorous argument, characteristic of this gifted philosopher and outstanding metaphysician."
--Jonathan Adler, Brooklyn College

"In my judgment, Peter van Inwagen has authored the single best introductory text in metaphysics. On display throughout one finds examples of the remarkable insights and masterful style that have earned him a well-deserved place among our finest metaphysicians. I know of no one more careful in the presentation of philosophical ideas than van Inwagen."
--Hud Hudson, Western Washington University

"This is a superb book--a sophisticated but very accessible introduction to the basic issues of metaphysics by one of the very best philosophers world-wide. Highly recommended!"
--John Martin Fischer, University of California, Riverside

Praise for the fourth edition:
"It is very challenging to present the ideas and arguments of metaphysics in a way that undergraduates can follow, but van Inwagen not only does so with perspicuity, but also with great insight and rigor."
Gordon Pettit, Western Illinois University
"The exposition throughout is a model of clarity, and it is remarkable how much ground is covered. There is a precision and efficiency of expression that is impressive. "Metaphysics" is a first-rate text, and the author is a master of the field."
Jenann Ismael, University of Arizona
"Metaphysics" is a very helpful introduction to a difficult area in philosophy, and any library that does not have this book should get it. . . . the clarity of the writing makes this volume extremely useful to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and those faculty who are interested in these issues but have only a passing acquaintance with them. Highly recommended. "Choice"
Praise for prior editions:
"Peter van Inwagen s "Metaphysics" is a terrific upper division textaccessible, engaging, wide ranging, challenging, provocative. Chock full of everyday examples that, upon analysis, reveal intriguing puzzles and perplexities, proposed solutions to which are subject to imaginative and rigorous argument, characteristic of this gifted philosopher and outstanding metaphysician."
Jonathan Adler, Brooklyn College
"In my judgment, Peter van Inwagen has authored the single best introductory text in metaphysics. On display throughout one finds examples of the remarkable insights and masterful style that have earned him a well-deserved place among our finest metaphysicians. I know of no one more careful in the presentation of philosophical ideas than van Inwagen."
Hud Hudson, Western Washington University
"This is a superb booka sophisticated but very accessible introduction to the basic issues of metaphysics by one of the very best philosophers world-wide. Highly recommended!"
John Martin Fischer, University of California, Riverside
"

Praise for the fourth edition:
"It is very challenging to present the ideas and arguments of metaphysics in a way that undergraduates can follow, but van Inwagen not only does so with perspicuity, but also with great insight and rigor."
--Gordon Pettit, Western Illinois University
"The exposition throughout is a model of clarity, and it is remarkable how much ground is covered. There is a precision and efficiency of expression that is impressive. Metaphysics is a first-rate text, and the author is a master of the field."
--Jenann Ismael, University of Arizona
"Metaphysics is a very helpful introduction to a difficult area in philosophy, and any library that does not have this book should get it. . . . the clarity of the writing makes this volume extremely useful to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and those faculty who are interested in these issues but have only a passing acquaintance with them. Highly recommended." --Choice
Praise for prior editions:

Praise for the fourth edition:
-It is very challenging to present the ideas and arguments of metaphysics in a way that undergraduates can follow, but van Inwagen not only does so with perspicuity, but also with great insight and rigor.-
--Gordon Pettit, Western Illinois University
-The exposition throughout is a model of clarity, and it is remarkable how much ground is covered. There is a precision and efficiency of expression that is impressive. Metaphysics is a first-rate text, and the author is a master of the field.-
--Jenann Ismael, University of Arizona
-Metaphysics is a very helpful introduction to a difficult area in philosophy, and any library that does not have this book should get it. . . . the clarity of the writing makes this volume extremely useful to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and those faculty who are interested in these issues but have only a passing acquaintance with them. Highly recommended.- --Choice
Praise for prior editions:

Praise for the fourth edition:

"It is very challenging to present the ideas and arguments of metaphysics in a way that undergraduates can follow, but van Inwagen not only does so with perspicuity, but also with great insight and rigor."
--Gordon Pettit, Western Illinois University

"The exposition throughout is a model of clarity, and it is remarkable how much ground is covered. There is a precision and efficiency of expression that is impressive. Metaphysics is a first-rate text, and the author is a master of the field."
--Jenann Ismael, University of Arizona

"Metaphysics is a very helpful introduction to a difficult area in philosophy, and any library that does not have this book should get it. . . . the clarity of the writing makes this volume extremely useful to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and those faculty who are interested in these issues but have only a passing acquaintance with them. Highly recommended." --Choice

Praise for prior editions:

Book Description:

An accessible introduction to metaphysics for readers with little or no background in philosophy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0813349346
• ISBN 13: 9780813349343
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 352