|
 Building
a home philosophy library
Lyn
May and Steve Deery
The
thirteenth in a series of articles advising on how to build your
own home philosophy library.
No.
13 Peter van Inwagen, Metaphysics
Most
people at some point question the nature of ultimate reality. Unfortunately
this is usually after ten pints of beer. Sadly the conclusions they
come to seem less than satisfying in the cold light of day. An alternative
is to study the nature of ultimate reality - metaphysics - in an
academic setting. The conclusions reached are bound to be better
- aren't they?
Some
have thought otherwise and our third selection reflects this. However,
before we question the whole metaphysical enterprise we need to
get our bearings.
Peter
van Inwagen's Metaphysics offers a basic introduction to
the subject written in an easy and direct style. Technical terms
are kept to a minimum and their use is always explained. The book
is divided into three parts: The ultimate nature of reality, why
there is a reality (why there is something rather than nothing),
and finally, the existence, purpose and nature of rational beings.
The starting point in each section is what van Inwagen calls the
"Common Western Metaphysic". This is basically our pre-theoretic
view of life, the universe and everything. Unsurprisingly, our pre-theoretic
view faces difficulties. But just as often the alternatives have
problems of their own. You can decide which set of problems you
wish to adopt.
The
strength of Metaphysics is that van Inwagen argues vigorously
for his own metaphysical views. Rather than a bland recounting of
the pros and cons of each metaphysical position, the reader can
enjoy a lively debate. For example, in response to the view that
a highly unlikely outcome lacks significance he says 'this must
be one of the most annoyingly obtuse arguments in the history of
philosophy'.
Metaphysics
can often seem dry and remote from our lives, yet van Inwagen manages
to relate abstract ideas back to everyday experience. But this does
not mean that the issues covered are treated superficially.
Metaphysics
by Peter van Inwagen (Oxford University Press
) £15.99 /$25.00
A
new book will be featured towards the end of December 2001.
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