Time, Change and Freedom: An Introduction to Metaphysics

ISBN-13: 9780415102490 / Angielski / Miękka / 1995 / 228 str.

Quentin Smith; L. Nathan Oaklander; Na Oaklander L.

Opis

This is the first introduction to metaphysics which is tied together by the idea of time. Time, Change and Freedom explores ideas such as whether there was a beginning of time and the possibility of an infinite past and an eternal future. It looks at what happens when things change, and what affect that has on us and our personal identity. The book also asks if we can be free and what is the relationship of human freedom to various theories of divine foreknowledge and determinism? The final part of the book brings students right up to date with theories of relativity and contemporary cosmology about time and the universe. Sections in Time, Change and Freedom cover: The Problem of Change God, Time and Freedom Relational and Substantival Theories of Time Tenseless Time Written in an engaging dialogue form, this book will explain the key themes of contemporary metaphysics, and at the same time the philosophy of time, to the beginner. It will be invaluable for all students on introductory philosophy courses, and for students interested in the philosophy of time and metaphysics.

Recenzje

'... address topics that intersect both metaphysics and science in ways that ... shed light on their troubled relationship.' - Philosophia

Spis treści

Introduction Part I The finite and the infinite Dialogue 1 The beginning of time Dialogue 2 The infinity of past and future time Dialogue 3 The relational and substantival theories of time Dialogue 4 Eternity Part II Time and identity Dialogue 5 The problem of change Dialogue 6 The passage of time Dialogue 7 Personal identity Dialogue 8 Personal identity and time Part III The nature of freedom Dialogue 9 Fatalism and tenseless time Dialogue 10 God, time and freedom Dialogue 11 Freedom, determinism and responsibility

O autorze

Quentin Smith is Professor of Philosophy at Western Michigan University. L. Nathan Oaklander is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan-Flint.