Description
Book SynopsisAn Introduction to Metaphysics offers an engaging survey of central metaphysical topics, including truth, universals, the nature of mind, personal identity, free will, time, and the existence of God. The book is pitched at an intermediate undergraduate level and is suitable for students without background knowledge in these areas. Topically organized, it examines a variety of historical and contemporary positions relevant to each of the included themes. Memorable and amusing drawings by Gillian Wilson are interspersed throughout the text to illustrate concepts and examples.
Trade ReviewJack Crumley's
Introducing Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality hits the sweet spot for an introduction to metaphysics and epistemology. Engagingly written, the book provides an accessible overview of the field for the unfamiliar; yet there's enough detailed discussion to complement many of the typical primary readings in a first-year or sophomore course. The book merits serious consideration as a textbook for university instructors." - Phil Corkum, University of Alberta
"Jack Crumley has written an excellent introduction to epistemology and metaphysics. It is very well organized and clearly and attractively written, covering the main topics from both historical and contemporary angles with great competence and deep learning. The text is graced with vivid examples, wonderful visual illustrations and insightful implications for domains other than philosophy. It is a book to be enjoyed not only by students and their teachers but also by a larger public. Even professional philosophers have a lot to learn from its pages, as I have. I recommend this text very enthusiastically." - Radu J. Bogdan, Tulane University
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Truth I – Three Classic Views
- Chapter 2: Truth II – The 20th Century, Necessity, and Possible Worlds
- Chapter 3: Realism and Antirealism
- Chapter 4: Universals
- Chapter 5: Things
- Chapter 6: The Nature of Mind
- Chapter 7: Personal Identity
- Chapter 8: Free Will
- Chapter 9: Time
- Chapter 10: God's Nature and Existence
- Chapter 11: Why is there Something rather than Nothing?
- Glossary
