Customer Reviews

Metaphysics: The Big Questions (Philosophy: The Big Questions)

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Metaphysics: The Big Questions edited by Peter Inwagen and Dean Zimmerman is another strong addition the Blackwell Big Questions series of philosophical anthologies. The text examines a range of metaphysical questions from varied perspectives. I find this type of approach helpful in giving the reader a relatively quick and balanced introduction to the different subjects. In addition to the articles themselves the editors also provide solid recommendations for further reading. The topics of discussion include: universals, the nature of time and space, causation, identity, the mind -body problem, free will, existence and the validity of metaphysics.

Although I preferred certain essays to others, most of this is probably more indicative of my tastes than the qualities of the articles. For example, I do not find Putman very helpful - others may. I offer two other small criticisms. First, Rowe's article on the cosmological argument is dated. Given all the excellent recent work done in this area much better is available (interestingly, other Big Question anthologies have used this same article). Second, I appreciate the temptation to include issues that are considered `contemporary', however, I found the articles by Witt and Flax attempting to examine metaphysics from a post-modern feminist position weak and, detracted from an otherwise excellent anthology.

Overall, despite a few imperfections it is a very useful text. I recommend it to anyone seeking an overview of metaphysics.