This collection of readings introduces a non-specialist audience to the central debates of philosophical metaphysics, which editor Rea (philosophy, Notre Dame U.) defines as "the attempt to provide rigorously developed answers to non-scientific questions about what exists and about the necessary connections among such concepts, properties, and relations as pertain to things other than reasons, values, and mathematical objects." The 41 readings include selections from the academic literature alongside other less specialized material, such as science fiction stories, and are presented in sections entitled "On What There Is," "Time and Time Travel," "Change and Identity," "Freedom," and "Worlds and Worldmaking." Each section opens with a brief introduction by the editor. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Arguing about Metaphysics is a wide-ranging anthology that introduces students to one of the most fundamental areas of philosophy. It covers core topics in metaphysics such as personal identity, the nature of being, time, and the concept of freedom. The volume contains scholarly articles by Quine, Lewis, van Inwagen and Pereboom, as well short works of science fiction that illustrate key ideas in metaphysics.

Arguing about Metaphysics is a wide-ranging anthology that introduces students to one of the most fundamental areas of philosophy. It covers core topics in metaphysics such as personal identity, the nature of being, time, and the concept of freedom. The volume contains scholarly articles by Quine, Lewis, van Inwagen and Pereboom, as well short works of science fiction that illustrate key ideas in metaphysics.

The volume is divided into five parts, helping the student get to grips with classic and core arguments and emerging debates in:

- On What There Is

- Time and Time Travel

- Change and Identity

- Freedom

- Worlds and Worldmaking

Michael C. Rea provides lucid introductions to each section, giving an overview of the debate and outlining the arguments of each sectiona (TM)s readings. Arguing About Metaphysics is a comprehensive and engaging reader for students who are new to philosophy.