Perseus Academic: Metaphysics by Peter van Inwagen

Praise for the third edition:

“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

“Peter van Inwagen’s Metaphysics has long been one of the best introductions to contemporary metaphysics available and with this new edition has only gotten better. Exhibiting Professor van Inwagen’s characteristic clarity and engaging style throughout, this volume is not only chock-full of stimulating arguments but also wonderfully accessible to students. I highly recommend it.”
—Alan Rhoda, University of Notre Dame

“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 second edition:

“No one who knows van Inwagen’s work expects this book to be a mere survey of metaphysical issues, and our hopes are not disappointed. Van Inwagen’s distinctive and irrepressible argumentative voice is present throughout. Readers come away not only better educated on the wide range and depth of metaphysical problems, but also enriched by an encounter with an engaging and original intellect. With a new chapter on temporality and an updated discussion of free will, Metaphysics, second edition, is an indispensable text and a model of philosophical rigor and clarity.”
—Laura Waddell Ekstrom, Robert F. and Sara M. Boyd Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of William and Mary

Praise for the first edition:

“[Metaphysics] is lucid and engaging throughout … It easily the best textbook in metaphysics with which I am acquainted, a welcome and long overdue successor to Taylor’s smaller book.” —The Philosophical Review

“An exceptionally lucid account of traditional metaphysics issues … This is one of the best overviews of metaphysics this reviewer has ever come across. A strong case could be made that if a college library could contain only one book on this subject, it should be Van Inwagen’s Metaphysics.” —Choice

”Peter van Inwagen’s Metaphysics is a wonderful book. It explores basic metaphysical issues in a brisk, accessible way. Most of all, it is a philosophically fascinating; although it can introduce the beginning student to metaphysics, some of the argumentation will intrigue even the most sophisticated philosophers.” —John Martin Fischer, University of California, Riverside